Observed a scary situation

[Disneyholic]

Sorry,I still think you are way overprotective. If your son,who IS a man,is living a normal and active life,he doesn't need to have rules handed down from mama on how to behave. Anyway,when you met your husband,you were a minor,and your father setting ground rules is way different than a mother telling her grown son what to do. JMHO.

Maybe I am, but that is JYHO. I have two children. DD is a campus police officer at a local college. She works midnight to 8 am. DS drove 5 days a week to school 75 miles each way for 19 months so he could attend school and work a part time job that he started before school started. He now rides a motorcycle and has traveled from PA to MD to visit a friend. The only thing I ask is that he call when he gets there so I know he's safe. Sorry, but being a mother doesn't stop just because they turn a certain age.

My DD was 13 1/2 when DS was born. We tried for years for a second child and it was a miracle for us when he came along. So, maybe I do worry a little more about him, but I don't mollycoddle him. But he does know that adults do need to follow rules, something many people nowdays seem to forget in their me, me, me world.

 

[WDSearcher]

She wasn't out of sight of the OP, but she was out of sight of the mom who had her back turned. There might not always be someone else watching out for her. The man might have thought no one was.

It's hard to tell without being there if there was something to be alarmed about, but since the OP was there and was alarmed, I think there might have been.

I just went back and re-read the initial post. The OP does not seem nearly as intense about what happened as so many of the posters are. She says, "So I guess I just wanted to post not to scare people but to remind people to keep an eye on their little gems and to have the talk with their children about strangers. I just don't think we can do that enough."

She's not alarmed, really, just posting a reminder. It's all the posts following the original one that are filled with exclamation points and recriminations and going on about how the man should have been reported, etc. I still don't read anything in the original post that says "Alarm." Concern, yes. "Keep an eye on your kids" ... yes. But "get this man out of the park because he's a danger to kids" ... no. Might just be how I'm choosing to read it. I'm just taken aback by how quickly people were willing to believe that a man who no one knows and only one of us has actually seen is an evil child-snatching pedophile. It makes me sad that so many people so quickly go there. That's all.

 

[Sk8Leigh]

I'm just taken aback by how quickly people were willing to believe that a man who no one knows and only one of us has actually seen is an evil child-snatching pedophile. It makes me sad that so many people so quickly go there. That's all.

It's because, unfortunately, there are a lot of evil child-snatching pedophiles. It may be more likely that a child will be abused by someone he/she knows, but not always. I was about the same as Adam Walsh, and I've never forgotten about him. He was just taken from a Sear store.

 

[julezdisney]

...I do want to say that my dad has altzimers, and in his moderate stage, he loves small children. If we go out anywhere, I have to keep an eagle eye on him because he will walk up to strange children and start talking to them........Sometimes they just totally shock you with a huge deviation in behaviour.

.....Sometimes, people of the Greatest Generation forget that times have-a-changed!!

I work with geriatric patients and I can tell you first hand that many of them simply don't think like we do. They are 100% innocent in their thought processes and would be completely surprised even at the postings in this thread.

I can also say, that as a grandfather of 7, my 63 yr. old Dad watches, smiling, children all the time. I have to remind him constantly, "Don't stare Dad, the parent's will think you're a perv."

And the point about alzheimers.... the lack of any sense is not often accompanied by strange behavior. Someone can look completely normal and have their faculties about them and be nearly TOTALLY demented. Demented as in dementIA- not twisted & sick.

Why would a 40ish year old man hang out in Fantasy Land all day?

Because he loves Fantasyland! And was the "toy" Pal Mickey? Many adults wear him. And even if he wasn't, for example, I've worked with a Pediatrician who ADORES Mickey Mouse and has not only entire outfits w/the Big Cheese, but an office FULL of toys, and often comes into work playing with something. Some people are just big kids!

.....By all means, teach your kids every sign of danger, every strategy for escape or attracting attention, that you will never be mad if they tell and that they should tell immediately...if not you, then another adult they trust. But never will I teach them to look at people like they are all potential child molesters or murderers. That's living in fear and I won't have it. By the way, I realize a lot of people will disagree with me and that's fine. Teach your kids that strangers are all scary and potentially want to hurt them if you want to, it's your right. I simply disagree and won't do that to mine.

I feel the same way, but it is hard to know where to draw the line, isn't it?

Any man could overpower me, and I am 27. At some point you do have to 'let them fly' and pray that you taught them how best to stay away from and react to bad situations.

I'm 31, and any man could overpower ME! I agree.

....I looked at the mom and she had the kind of weirded out/angry face on. But we are from the deep south and are just kind and nice like that. Now, I know better because I am an educator but I can see how she just felt awful that she hit the kid right in the head. As a grandmother of 4 and a great grandmother of 1 at 72 years old, she saw that girl as another grandchild and that's how she apologized. I didn't say anything to her because she meant no harm and she is very sensitive. She might have broke down and cried right there if she thought I was reprimanding her.

Like I said in my response above, a lot of them just don't know....

I am a mom,and a fierce protector too ....but to the Op's story,don't forget,many people visiting WDW are from other countries,where talking to,touching,or sitting with a strange child is considered normal,and natural. As is kids running around naked,or in underwear.
I do understand caution,but I've known quite a few folks from various places,and their treatment of kids is way different from how it's ingrained here in America. here,we all feel VERY unsafe,and watched. Many other places, people feel safe,and the way they allow kids freedom shows a big difference.
All I'm saying is,I'm overly cautious(I'm American) but I've also met plenty of people who are like this with kids,and it's completely innocent.
Not saying it always is( the pp's POP story was BAD)
This is not to say creeps aren't everywhere,but here in USA,we think differently about norms.

That's a very good point.

It will be a sad day indeed when our generation is old and we're not allowed to talk to kids. Hopefully we'll all be lucky and have plenty of grandchildren and great-grandchildren .

Yes!

End of story, don't care if he gets offended, my first and only responsibility is to my child.

That's how I felt when I read the post about the 18-yr-old-would-be-pedo incident. I so would've pressed charges, no matter what. I'd urge anyone to do that. When given the chance to stop a future crime, I'd take it.

I'm not sure I understand. If someone looking at your child while changing her diaper is traumatizing to her, wouldn't YOU looking at your child while changing her diaper traumatize her too? If not, why not?

Erm, I don't think that poster meant that it's traumatizing to the child, they meant they didn't want some sicko getting their jollies off on an eyeful. DH constantly picks up DD by swinging her up in the air and putting her on his shoulders, completely oblivious to the fact he's just flashed any and everyone her unders. I always am readjusting her clothing and reminding him to be aware of her covering.

This thread has really been awful, yet informative to read. It really sheds light on not only the dangers we all forget while being in the world of fantasy, but also in the perceptions of so many.

Let's all just mind our P's and Q's and keep hold of our kids, right?

 

[GovieMom]

I totally agree with WDSearcher. I read and re-read the original post and came to the same conclusion ... the OP posted it simply as a reminder to always keep watch over your little ones. Nothing more.

 

[MicNut713]

My wife and I have always spoken to our kids about strangers. As a police officer I can not strees enough how important it is tyo talk to your children about dangers. I always find myself looking at people when we are there. I am always reminded of a story when my wife and I were there on our honeymoon. We were waiting for the day parade in the MK. A mother sat down beside us and we were all talking waiting for the parade. Her oldest maybe 6 had to use the bathroom. She looked at us and said do you mind watching my son, who was about 3 or 4, and before we could say anything she was up and gone. We could not believe it. I kept saying to my wife thank god we are nice people.

 

[MicNut713]

My wife and I have always spoken to our kids about strangers. As a police officer I can not stress enough how important it is to talk to your children about dangers. I always find myself looking at people when we are there. I am always reminded of a story when my wife and I were there on our honeymoon. We were waiting for the day parade in the MK. A mother sat down beside us and we were all talking waiting for the parade. Her oldest maybe 6 had to use the bathroom. She looked at us and said do you mind watching my son, who was about 3 or 4, and before we could say anything she was up and gone. We could not believe it. I kept saying to my wife thank god we are nice people.

 

[GoHerd1028]

Amazing stories. I just can't believe the older guy who asked the little girl to ride with him. We were at Mcdonald's the other day and an older guy came up to my daughter who is 2 and told her he had a little puppy and asked her if she would like to come to his house to play with it. I just about went nuts!!!! Needless to say there are freaks everywhere and it is a shame that we have to be on the look out for fear of something happening to our children.

We are headed to Disney next week and daughter is staying home. We have been trying to talk to our three year old son about not leaving us for a second if he is out of his stroller ( I think I might get one of those harness things). Kids only have the ability to see the good in everyone. It is too bad we can't all keep that characteristic our entire lives.

 

[Disney Dreamer1]

I know this is off topic, but I came across this thread and hope for some advice. I am a mom and myself and DS 11 are making our first trip alone anyway ever to WDW in Nov. I have been trying to figure out bathroom breaks. Is my son too old to go into the ladies restroom with me? He has already said he doesn't want to wait outside for me alone and frankly there is no way I feel comfortable leaving him alone either? Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[jlynne01]

I know this is off topic, but I came across this thread and hope for some advice. I am a mom and myself and DS 11 are making our first trip alone anyway ever to WDW in Nov. I have been trying to figure out bathroom breaks. Is my son too old to go into the ladies restroom with me? He has already said he doesn't want to wait outside for me alone and frankly there is no way I feel comfortable leaving him alone either? Any suggestions? Thanks.

If I remember correctly, there are family bathrooms in the parks as well. There are not as many family bathrooms but they are available..
If I am remembering wrong then please someone correct me...

Btw... I really dont know when a child is old enough to be left alone... I agree that we eventually need to trust them and the fact that we raised them right and pray for them as we cut the apron strings... My Dd is almost 20 and engaged to be married and I still worry terribly for her due to her petite size.. My son is 17 and I stand guard at the bathrooms waiting for him to come out. I am planning on giving the two of them a little more freedom on our next trip as long as they stay together but no way will my 13 yr dd be joining them....

I dont want to hurt anyones feelings but I do think a 21 yr old man does Not need to have rules laid out for him. It sounds like you raised him with morals and standards and now its time to let him spread his wings and fly! I'm sure he will make mistakes (we all did) but I bet he will really make you proud too!

 

[LisaNJ25]

I know this is off topic, but I came across this thread and hope for some advice. I am a mom and myself and DS 11 are making our first trip alone anyway ever to WDW in Nov. I have been trying to figure out bathroom breaks. Is my son too old to go into the ladies restroom with me? He has already said he doesn't want to wait outside for me alone and frankly there is no way I feel comfortable leaving him alone either? Any suggestions? Thanks.

yes, 11 is way to old to be in ladies room. I took a solo trip with my ds to DL when he was 8. I just had him wait outside. Your in and out of the bathroom fast.

 

[Tricia819]

is still, after all, Walt Disney World.

 

[swimlib]

Talking to kids about strangers is extremely important. What's more important is to not just assume that it is the older man who will snatch a kid.

I was sitting in South Station last year and a father asked me to watch his 3yo daughter when he went to the bathroom. Before I could even say anything, he was gone into the bathroom and I had a little girl sitting there next to me. I know that a college age female reading a textbook doesn't seem dangerous, but for all he knew I could have grabbed her and ran. I don't believe in fearing everyone, but at 3 a kid will go with almost anyone.

 

[mickeynuts]

Hello,
I am the OP. I first would like to say thank you to all that have come to my defense. I am new to this board and simply stated a situation I observed for the pure sake of reminding parents that you can never get too secure with where you are or what is going on around you. I CANNOT believe how vicious some of you people are on here. I felt attacked and was appalled by how much of what I said was taken out of context by some of you!
I never said the man was a molester...I did say he very well could have been the nicest man on earth. The child DID NOT approach him HE approached her. How do you figure it becomes the mother's fault for picking up a sip cup? The only thing separating the man and child was a rope. Is mom suppose to set up a steel wall in every line she waits in just in case her daughter drops a sip cup and she has to turn her back? I mean really....he is an adult...talking to a child is one thing but he reached his hand out and asked her to come.....oh but wait I understand that was the 18 month olds fault because she took his had with consent! Shame on her!
Really she is 18 months old. Even if her parents have talked to her she is only is only going to comprehend so much. Also, if he was just a nice guy wanting to chat with the little girl why didn't he do it when mom was holding her or when mom was aware? I know I will likely get bombarded by the same people that attacked me to begin with but I still feel strongly that this man should have thought before he acted. I did not accuse him of anything and I am still not. Just was meant to be a reminder to watch your children.
I have a SIL who works with sex offenders and yes most children are molested by someone they know but please keep in mind that the key word is MOST. So that stills means that there are victims out there that did not know there attackers. I have a feeling that all those that are so quick to call these mothers paranoid and overprotective are the same people that would have blamed the same mothers for not watching there kids if something would have happened to them.
Please remember my OP was meant to simply be a reminder and nothing else. Thanks again to those who understood that.

 

[squirrel]

I do remember seeing a few companion washrooms.

I rememeber one in HS by the RnRC, another near the Backlot Tour/Food Area.

For some reason I can only recall seeing those ones. I'm sure there are more at the other parks, but just don't recall where.

 

[duffy]

I know this is off topic, but I came across this thread and hope for some advice. I am a mom and myself and DS 11 are making our first trip alone anyway ever to WDW in Nov. I have been trying to figure out bathroom breaks. Is my son too old to go into the ladies restroom with me? He has already said he doesn't want to wait outside for me alone and frankly there is no way I feel comfortable leaving him alone either? Any suggestions? Thanks.

If I saw a pre-teen boy in the womens' bathroom, I would wonder what the heck he was doing in there!! I'd say he's way, way too old to be in the womens' bathroom.

 

[DizBelle]

I do remember seeing a few companion washrooms.

I rememeber one in HS by the RnRC, another near the Backlot Tour/Food Area.

For some reason I can only recall seeing those ones. I'm sure there are more at the other parks, but just don't recall where.

Please remember that for some people these companion restrooms are the only choice for them. They cannot use the regular restrooms due to space and assistance requirements. Please keep them as available as possible for these folks.

 

[glitzybabes]

I know this is off topic, but I came across this thread and hope for some advice. I am a mom and myself and DS 11 are making our first trip alone anyway ever to WDW in Nov. I have been trying to figure out bathroom breaks. Is my son too old to go into the ladies restroom with me? He has already said he doesn't want to wait outside for me alone and frankly there is no way I feel comfortable leaving him alone either? Any suggestions? Thanks.

Here is a link that I found that will help you find the companion bathrooms

http://allears.net/pl/restrooms.htm

 

[karebear06]

I know this is off topic, but I came across this thread and hope for some advice. I am a mom and myself and DS 11 are making our first trip alone anyway ever to WDW in Nov. I have been trying to figure out bathroom breaks. Is my son too old to go into the ladies restroom with me? He has already said he doesn't want to wait outside for me alone and frankly there is no way I feel comfortable leaving him alone either? Any suggestions? Thanks.

No, 11 years old is waaayyyy too old. I would teach your child what to do in these types of situations. Realistically, you cannot watch your child like a hawk all the time. It is always good to teach them safety info and maybe even give him a small bottle of mace if he is ever faced with an unsafe situation.

 

[squirrel]

I agree about using the companion restrooms sparingly.

I used one when I had two 4yr old by myself-One is a runner (neighbours child)!

I also had to use a larger wheelchair friendly one as my niece was sound asleep and I had nobody to watch her. I waited patiently for about 10min and then I knocked on the door. Out came a woman with 3 children all over the age of 6! I don't know if she really had to use that one, but I was at the point of leaving the door open to a regular stall with my niece in the stroller somewhat covering me so I could use the bathroom!

If I have to use a bathroom that is larger for wheelchairs or for people needing assistance, I don't take my time! I'm in and out as fast as possible.