Waiting in line to pay, a kid was trying to give me or show me his action figure...

I hate when little kids stare at me and try to get my attention. I never know what to do.

And when the parent starts smiling, I know I am supposed to interact but then it becomes awkward because I don't know if I am supposed to get into a full conversation, just smile back, or say something adult-like to the kid. There are so many options, and none are really good ones.

It would be better if the kid just stayed in his/her own lane.

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FreddieUK · 70-79, M

Young children are completely free from adult hangups about social interaction and they are exploring the world and who to trust and not. I am cautious of interacting with youngsters when I'm on my own, but if the parent is happy, I will give a smile and perhaps an appropriate inane comment. I hate to think of them growing up fearful of everyone.

I wonder if we all 'stayed in out own lane' on here if anyone would actually engage with anyone else? Many of those blocking simply on political and religious grounds want to do that, I feel.

whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

Kids are actually simple to deal with, Everybody was one once. Just remember that the kids desire to engage with you should be taken as serious as he/she takes it. That action figure was important to him. Treat it as important to you and all will be well. Your attention was what the child wanted.."Look at me!"😷

MoveAlong · 70-79, M

That's odd. When I'm in line and a kid tries to interact the mother steps between us. 🤷‍♂

FrogManSometimesLooksBothWays · M

This happened to me in the supermarket. Kid was with his mother and tried to get my attention. I ignored the kid. The mother said to the kid, "That man hates children!"

whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

@FrogManSometimesLooksBothWays While I wouldnt have handled the child as you did, there was no need for the mother to be so rude. For future reference the correct polite response to the woman is. "Its not that I hate children. I just dont like to eat them raw." She shouldnt give you any more trouble after that.😷

DeWayfarer · 61-69, M

You were never allowed to be a kid yourself. That's sad.

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