should i be concerned about this...?

[jellybrainsalloverthewall]

My ds is 26m and i took him and baby dd to the park today to play on the swings then go to the library. He started playing with a 5yo boy and i spoke to his mum as you do... when we left ( and i was relieved that ds didn't kick up a fuss about leaving) I said say bye bye as the little boy was nearby and ds ran over and gave him a hug then ran to his mum and gave her a kiss... i thought it was sweet and funny at the time but now i am a bit worried - should i be making ds aware of boundaries or not worry and let him do what he feels like as he will soon grow up and not want to kiss me let alone random mums in the park!

i am not paranoid about stranger danger and i am happy for ds to talk to people he is too young to be left unsupervised anyway... but i am a bit concerned still... any advice???

[rosie79]

Personally I don't think there is anything for you to be concerned about! At this age your ds is very aware of what you do and takes his cues from that, you were friendly and talked to this other mother, you then said goodbye to the little boy and encouraged your DS to do the same. If he hugs and kisses other children and mothers who you know well when he says goodbye, then his behaviour in the park is totally normal for him!

I wouldn't worry unless maybe he was doing this to perfect strangers. As far as he is concerned you gave him appropriate indications that the woman in the park was a friend, and so he acted accordingly.

Hope this helps!

[rosie79]

And yes, you are right, he will soon grow out of this and not want to hug or kiss random people in the park. For now, there is no need to say anything or worry him unnessesarily, and you don't want to make him self-conscious of his behaviour either.

[bluejelly]

How sweet! i wouldn't worry at all