Know Your Boundaries

A woman is pregnant.  A father is carrying his child in his arms.  There is a child being pushed in a stroller.  Then it happens.  A stranger or passerby decides that they are a part of your family and will engage you in conversation.  The conversation is just a ruse to try and touch the pregnant woman's stomach or the child you are holding.  I do not understand the logic.  I do not understand what makes people think they can invade your space and touch your stomach or child.  

I did not put a sign on my wife's pregnant belly inviting people to touch it.  I do not ask people to touch our son in any way.  Quite the opposite - I try and make sure it does not happen.  It is not your fetus.  It is not your child.  Do not touch.  

If anything, a person should take extra precautions not to touch a pregnant woman or a baby in a stroller.  Keep their disgusting germs away.  We do not know where your hands have been, no do you know if our son is carrying something contagious.  Most important of all - it is not your family, it is not your child.  Keep your hands away.  Period.  

I have an issue when it comes to personal space and I do not like someone (other than my wife, son, or dog) getting too close and familiar.  I dislike it even more when someone feels that they can just reach out and touch a member of my family without an invitation or permission for that matter.  

My suggestion is as follows - respect other people's boundaries.  Do not feel that you can touch any baby walking on the street just because you want to.  I would much rather see you keep your hands away so I do not have to tell you to do.