[MR] Picking up strange children

[mathilde at mathildegirlgenius.com]

Good morning, all,

Last weekend, my family and I attended Holiday Faire. We had our two toddler
sons with us. My two-year old ran around the event quite a bit, with me or
another caregiver usually close behind. He was well-watched, though active and
all over the place.

A few people would stand in his way to help "herd" him, usually by holding out
cloaks or skirts. As I wasn't really trying to catch him, just follow him, I
didn't need it, but it didn't bother me.

What did bother me, though, is that there were some strangers who felt the need
to pick him up and hold him. He was not in a booth, did not pose an imminent
danger to any merchandise, and the last instance was during clean up when he
wasn't anywhere close to getting into any trouble.

I know that there are many who view the SCA as a big happy family. In some ways,
it is. In reality, anybody can walk through the door of an event. There have
been enough unhappy incidents within the last few years that everybody should
be well aware that strangers are still strangers (and that common sense should
still prevail with people you know).

I'd like to be clear - it is NOT ok to just pick up a strange child, unless that
child is in some sort of danger, or you're doing a quick redirect away from
merchandise if you don't see the parent right away. If I don't know you, do not
pick up my sons. If I know you as an acquaintance, please *ask* if you may pick
up my sons. Two year olds have personal boundaries, just as any of the rest of
us do.

Back to your regularly scheduled holiday. Happy Thanksgiving, all!

-Mathilde




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