[Buzz & Woody]

I live in Ontario. I was in the McDonalds at Walmsrt with my boys the other day and a nice looking older man (didn't look like a weirdo) walked up to me and my son's and told us that he was Mickey' Mouses grandfather. I didn't know what to say, or how to react. Just thought I'd share

[Dana]

He sounds like a lonely old man trying to make a kid smile. My grandfather who is out of the loop with kids is the same way. He doesn't understand that it somes across as creepy to unsuspecting Moms when he breaks out into conversation with their kids. They were raised in different times where the lunatic to sane people ratio was a bit different.

[Erin]

Yeah, I'd have to agree. I think it was a grandpa homesick for his grandchildren, or someone who felt lonely.

Poor guy!

[E&B's Mom]

I agree. My mother has vcery little short-term memory and is always trying to get the attention of young kids she thinks are cute. I try to explain to her the way parents feel today, but unfortunately it does no good. My only recommendation as a parent is to be as patient as you can, but keep a close watch.

[sandanv1]

Not trying to offend anyone, but this seems to be an old people thing. My grandpa would talk to everyone, and his odd sense of humor really made him seem like a creepy old man.

But even nice old men can be not so nice. Best to be careful.

[Dana]

Originally Posted by sandanv1

But even nice old men can be not so nice. Best to be careful.

I totally agree. My DD has strict instructions to NEVER speak to ANYONE she doesn't know without me being there. I told her that people may try and trick her and take her away. Yes, it's sick to scare your child like that, but unfortuantely it's the kind of world we live in now. I'd rather her be scared of strangers than completely ignorant to the possibilities and consequences that could come from running into the wrong stranger.

[Leigh]

I have made it very clear to my children too. Don't talk to strangers. Okay we are from the south. My dd 13 is a true southerner. She never meets a stranger. It is real tough for her to not talk back to an elderly person who speaks to her. She is very respectful of people older than her. She tries really hard to not hurt anyone's feelings. Sometimes i have just told her to walk away, you know if she has an uneasy feeling about someone. I told her that it is her right.

[tinkerbell]

my DH loves kids and kids love him .. but he wouldnt ever just walk up to a kid and say something like that..that is a very strange thing to have happen. It could have been just a nice old man wanting to talk to a child ..or something else .. saddly you never know and you can never take the chance.

[craziebabie1]

He must have seen that Disney look in your eyes... I know I have it all the time. I agree with everyone about the kids not talking to strangers, I drill it in my DD all the time. I would have been more worried if the parent wasn't there.... It was probably innocent.... but you can't tell.

[Pooh Fan]

I agree with everyone that it is good to teach your kids to never talk to strangers without you there. I do the same thing with my 2 kids. But isn't it sad that our kids have to grow up in such a world that we have to suspect that someone is bad? I mean when I was growing up I was able to walk to the local corner store with my sister to get a candy and a Slurpee and my parents never had to worry. Now, I won't let my 10 year old ride her bike around the corner because she would be out of my eye sight. It drives her totally nuts, but I would rather be safe than sorry. It is just too bad that there are so many sick people out there that would love to hurt a child...

[Dina]

Hi Buzz and Woody- I was in a bank recently and an older gentleman made a bit of a scene telling the tellers that his grandfather owns the bank and founded the Eatons stores in Toronto -- the man you referred to was probably just lonely but I'd rather err on the side of caution...btw, where are you in Ontario? I'm in teh Greater Toronto Area...Dina

[Buzz & Woody]

It was weird since the man actually was a Walmart rep (he had on one of the tags that the people that come into the stores wear, but not a real employee). It was just odd. There's me thinking that maybe ha's a relative of Mr. Disney or something. Ya, right-someone in Walmart a relative of WD. Hmmm. He just didn't seem odd or off at all.