Would you have a word or just leave it

Question

I asked a question like this a while ago.

I often take my daughter to the shop, she's 2. It's the only shop around unless I want to walk very far and the shop owner there likes her. When we walk in, he smiles and asks how she is. He touches her hand and face and I've been a bit wary of him recently. Not long ago, I went in alone and he held onto my hand for a while as he gave me my change.

I know he's probably just being nice but he seems like a strange person anyway. He's probably only around 30. Today, I was buying my daughter a treat and he said to her, 'that's free for you.' and didn't charge anything. Most people last time said he's probably just nice, but surely he's not like this with all young children.

I don't know how to think of him. He could be dodgy or maybe my daughter reminds him of someone, so I feel guilty thinking of him as a possible 'danger'. There's something about him that I really don't like. Would you have a quiet word and ask him to stop, or just make sure you keep an eye out?

Answer 1

Perhaps just stop going to the shop if it makes you uneasy, trust your instincts (I know it's the only one close by, but the extra distance is worth it to still be able to take your baby out with you cuz it's good for her and u both and to safeguard her well being)

Answer 2

Don't let your fears stop someone being nice. boy, theres not enough of it about these days. As long as he doesn't touch or say things that are inappropriate. He may be being just friendly. But keep one eye on him and dont leave the little one out of sight whilst there.

Answer 3

Personally i think things are going to far and please don't get me wrong ..This man could be being nice because its custom for his shop and he his thankful for it, he my NOT have kids or grand kids of his own, he might be lonely, he likes to be friendly..i don't see the harm and you would never be in a situation where your child is alone with him shes a toddler, so just be friendly and aware that all  

Answer 4

Personally i would see how it goes for now. Try to take friends to the shop with you and see how he acts towards you and your daughter then. Also, make sure you never go into the shop alone unless you really have to.  He may just have a mega crush on you and this is the only way he can show you he likes you....  

Answer 5

hey you're getting free stuff. don't ruin it haha.  seriously though, have you ever thought that he is just trying to be nice to your daughter to get with you

Answer 6

hmmm... i would just tell him quitly that you would like it if he could not do the things that he is doing and next time he says thats free 4 u, you could insest that you pay. Just stay close to your daughter and make sure shes not wandering around there by herself. Good Luck!

Answer 7

That's creepy not being nice in my opinion. I'd talk to him about it or something.

Answer 8

yeah kinda creepy, honestly id buy some pepper spray and keep it handy,just in case. Just watch her,dont let go of her hand.

Answer 9

Just keep an eye out, he isn't doing anything wrong. So to be honest i'd say that was bitchy and probably rude if you was to have a word.

You're obviously aware of this thats enough.

Theres no reason to go jumping to conclusions it could just be in you're head.

Answer 10

I would go to a different shop if I was you .Sounds a bit dodgy

Answer 11

I am sure he is just being nice, however if it makes you feel uneasy... tell him or avoid him as much as poss. As long as you never take your eye off your daughter though, I can't see how it can harm!

Answer 12

i think he maybe just thinks she is cute.  nothing wrong with that is there?

Answer 13

go with your gut always you obviously know somethings wrong

Answer 14

It really depends on the kind of person he seems like.

It could be that he is partial to you both.

Most pedophiles go for children older than two.

But it never hurts to keep an eye out.

Answer 15

just leave it

Answer 16

There could be a little danger. The man could be attracted to you. Or he could be a kidnapper/paedophile but the thing is he still could be just a very nice person but i think you should take a little hint of danger. Actually, yes he really is attracted to you all, sexually, physically and mentally. Do you have a husband? If so tell him and he will have a word with the man. If you do not have a husband just keep your distance anyway.  

Answer 17

I would first search the internet for s*x offenders list in the area.If he is on it,just stay away.All the same,I would go to another store if it makes me uneasy.

Answer 18

just trust your gut feeling..if you feel that he could possibly hurt you daughter, then definetley tell him to stop.  

Answer 19

Seems like a strange chap to me.  But you never know, he could just be an overly nice man.  I dont think I would say anything to him, I would just keep an eye out.  

Answer 20

Every stranger is a possible danger to your daughter, this man is no exception.  I personally wouldn't say anything, just keep an eye out, maybe see what he's like when other children are in his shop. You could always go to the police if you are really concerned, they'll be able to do checks on him if nothing else.

Maj

Answer 21

Though choice it can't hurt to ask, a lot is at stake in a situation like this. We only can hope this guy isn't a creep and that it goes over well if you do decide to confront him. Good Luck

Answer 22

You never know nowadays.   Is there anyone who could babysit for 5 mins whilst you go to the store alone?

A mothers intuition is usually right and if it's making you uncomfortable danger or not you should say something.  It is natural for you to protect your daughter and personally I wouldn't like it.  (I don't have kids though)

As my mum always said "don't talk to or take anything from strangers".

Answer 23

When it comes to children you can never be too careful.  It may be just his personality.  Regardless I would keep a very close eye on her.

Answer 24

I would personally just keep an eye out. Usually if you have a strange feeling about someone, you are having that feeling for a reason. If I were you, I would just keep an eye out because you definitely don't want to offend him if he is just being nice to her and flirting with you. I mean I have had alot of people give me free candy when I was younger and even now and I am 23. Sometimes, they are just nice to people that they want to be nice to and they can't afford to give everyone free candy.

Answer 25

Keep an eye out and if he does something that crosses the line then you can talk. Otherwise keep getting free candy. :)

Answer 26

Keep an open mind, for now, maybe ask around about him. These days the media seem to want us to see dark agendas in innocent actions. But, above all trust your intuition.

Answer 27

Not trying to be racist but is he white? Cos in other cultures people treat their children differently, hold them in higher regard etc.

But if he is white, i would keep an eye out, cos that sounds a bit dodgy to me, dont take your eyes off your daughter for sec, and watch him like a hawk

Answer 28

its great that ur being caucious. dont feel bad for that. we all just want to protect our kids. u never know what kind of weirdo ur dealin with. on the other hand if hes just being nice still keep ur guard up. however if his actions towards u and ur daughter are making u uncomfortable let it be known.  

Answer 29

If it bothers you it is worth bringing up. There is no need to accuse him of anything of course. I would make a positive comment about how he treats your daughter and see if he cares to elaborate. if he doesn't care to elaborate... what can you do? If he was criminally interested in your daughter he wouldn't come out and say it...ever. So keep the conversation positive and keep your eyes open.  

Answer 30

keep both eyes out! Better to be safe then sorry.

Answer 31

If I were you, I would keep watching him very closely. Wait till he does the same thing or something more strange the next time. If it gets to the point where it's starting to REALLY disturb you, talk to him about it. He's probably a nice man but he's showing it in an awkward way.