Sarah Wrote:Statistically more men are involved in such things, so yes anyone would be more cautious of them. You'd have to either be the worst parent/sibling ever or kidding yourself to think differently. There are dangerous women, and yes you should always watch your kids anyway, but if you're at a park with your kid and a woman approaches it's most likely because of mothering instincts and overall friendliness.
"Stereotypes" happen for a reason. There's no real point or revelation being made in this thread. It's unfortunate if you just want to be a friendly guy but I dunno... even that is kind of weird. There are ways to be nice to kids without seeming like a total creep, too.
edit: and no you should never think anyone is a pedophile for no reason, you should be cautious of everyone of them and keep a reasonable amount of doubt at all times.
My thoughts on this.
It's a double standard, but double standards have a reason behind them most times. Whether or not you agree with that reason won't change anything. That's the way society is. I'd be more cautious with males than females, but it doesn't mean I'd let my guard down because a female is playing with the kid. In both cases I find it strange for a complete stranger to come to the park for the sole purpose of playing with kids anyway.
Dusk Wrote:It's also just basic gender roles. Women are more inclined to be nurturing.
For me, it would probably depend on how the person(s) act and what they look like. I hate jumping to conclusions, but I'd be more worried if it was a man than if it was a woman.
This too. It's in the nature of women to be more caring and interested in children. Obviously men have this instinct as well, but it doesn't stand out as much with most men.