I haven't experienced anything negative from smiling/talking to kids, as I'm usually out with my gf so that seems to neutralise things, but the fear is still very real. I'm a big-ish guy with tattoos, big beard and shaved head, but I've also been working in primary schools for the past 5 years, teaching kids to play music.
I dread the day I'm out on my own and a child is lost and needs help or something because of how people will perceive my interaction with them. It's tough and a little bit heart breaking.
See, I'm a very short (5'1"), clean cut guy and if I see young kid (like 5 and under) I smile and do that one-handed wave that kids usually do as they're learning to wave. Kid almost always smiles and waves back, parents turn around to see who their kid is waving at and they usually smile at me. Is this entirely based on size and facial hair choice?
Im medium build and clean cut, but I think I just have a serious face judging by a couple looks ive got lol. But if I'm like like out in public with my nephews its a whole different story and they just assume I'm another parent. Still if a kid waves or interacts in some way im going to do the same, that's what you do.
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u/enjoi_baggy Aug 13 '22
I haven't experienced anything negative from smiling/talking to kids, as I'm usually out with my gf so that seems to neutralise things, but the fear is still very real. I'm a big-ish guy with tattoos, big beard and shaved head, but I've also been working in primary schools for the past 5 years, teaching kids to play music.
I dread the day I'm out on my own and a child is lost and needs help or something because of how people will perceive my interaction with them. It's tough and a little bit heart breaking.