I think our reactions reflect the environment we live in. In my small, very friendly city I would take it as a chatty gesture, one woman to another, with an interest she hoped would be shared. While I always kept a close eye on my children, I also believe that the vast majority of people are friendly and helpful. The suspicion we carry with us that makes us worry about every encounter is a sad effect of the media emphasis on sensational events that make us paranoid. I could have been that woman. I sat hello to strangers in elevators, and make small talk with mothers with young children. In my opinion it makes my world a warmer place. I'd rather err on the side of the positive than the negative. Yes, I could be wrong. I'm willing to take that chance because I know I'm likely right and my comments could brighten that mother's day.
A little anecdote. When my son had just turned three he had a lie down, kicking and screaming temper tantrum on the floor of a mall. (it was the only time he ever did that) I picked him up and had to tuck him under one arm so he couldn't kick me, and walk the full length of the mall to get to my car. There were three reactions from other shoppers, mostly women. Some gave me that smile that said "I've been there, good for you" some glared at me as it to ask if I was abusing that child, and the third was a sympathetic look - "You poor dear, how embarrassing". Babies, small children and pets bring out the social in us. Embrace it.
I think our reactions reflect the environment we live in. In my small, very friendly city I would take it as a chatty gesture, one woman to another, with an interest she hoped would be shared. While I always kept a close eye on my children, I also believe that the vast majority of people are friendly and helpful. The suspicion we carry with us that makes us worry about every encounter is a sad effect of the media emphasis on sensational events that make us paranoid. I could have been that woman. I sat hello to strangers in elevators, and make small talk with mothers with young children. In my opinion it makes my world a warmer place. I'd rather err on the side of the positive than the negative. Yes, I could be wrong. I'm willing to take that chance because I know I'm likely right and my comments could brighten that mother's day.
A little anecdote. When my son had just turned three he had a lie down, kicking and screaming temper tantrum on the floor of a mall. (it was the only time he ever did that) I picked him up and had to tuck him under one arm so he couldn't kick me, and walk the full length of the mall to get to my car. There were three reactions from other shoppers, mostly women. Some gave me that smile that said "I've been there, good for you" some glared at me as it to ask if I was abusing that child, and the third was a sympathetic look - "You poor dear, how embarrassing". Babies, small children and pets bring out the social in us. Embrace it.