Hello!

Hey MoMs, I’m a first-time mum of a 6 mth old and every time we are out, whether she’s in the pram, in my arms or being changed… whatever, I get asked all sorts of random questions. “How old is she/he?” “How does she sleep?” etc. and it’s really starting to bug me. I’m a polite person and sometimes I find myself making us late because I can’t just say no. How do I stop being forced to answer their questions without making a scene or whatever? Or do you have ideas for making scenes that are hilarious and I will be laughing too hard to tell my partner about later or my daughter when she grows up?


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  • If you’re walking, with her in pram or arms, slow just slightly to answer the question but don’t stop – just keep moving. Stops them asking anything else.


  • There is nothing wrong with being polite but you can not be running late for events or appointments because strangers want to chit chat.
    Perhaps you could politely answer their question followed by “it was lovely to meet you but we best be off we have a big appointment today.”


  • I had the exact same problem, I tried to be nice and short as I was always so busy. I know they’re just tryin to be nice but it does get annoying and intrusive.


  • It’s funny, but I’ve never had an issue with it, probably because I am happy to hear a sympathetic adult voice for a change, instead of a demanding child! One man even stopped me and gave me $10 to get the baby something for Christmas!


  • Sure, it can be most annoying if you are asked all the time. But you may cheering up a depressed person who needs to see a happy face.


  • Initially I was surprised because I’m a quiet person, then I didn’t mind it but it got difficult after a while, but like a few others have suggested, I just didn’t make eye contact….you have the determined ones though & if you look like you’re in a tearing hurry they’ll often just clear out of the way. Good luck.


  • Some people don’t have contact with young children,so the like to talk to them or comment .Polite smile to them reply & keep moving .Or just say I got a appointment ,they will understand,they probly been parents yrs ago .


  • If you are in hurry give a quick answer and walk away quickly before they ask the next question.


  • I quickly got sick of the same thing when I had my eldest. the worst was from strangers. I mean I tolerated it from friends and family because I knew it came from a place of caring, but strangers? they were just being stickybeaks! the questions at times were borderline inappropriate too. I quickly learnt to put the questions and comments back on them. ie, somebody comments on bub being a chunky monkey? id say to them “will you look at those chubby cheeks of yours. aren’t they adorable?” or ” haven’t you got a tubby tum tum?” or the dreaded questions like ” is she a good sleeper/ baby?” id often turn to the commenter’s companion and repeat the question to them about the person who made the comment. it put them on the back foot immediately and made them uncomfortable. I kinda feel a touch guilty about it at times, but hey I figure they obviously have no filter on what they say, and have no problem about asking questions, so it cant hurt if I don’t either


  • I just usually give a quick answer then politely start walking away and say enjoy your day


  • Interesting to read the comments!


  • It is hard especially when most of them are well meaning. I usually focus on the task at hand if I’m feeding or changing baby. I avoid eye contact. Make conversation with bub. Check out the great sale in a nearby shop. Anything to avoid socialising with them. They mostly get the gist and move on


  • Lol Its hard that’s for sure, try not make too much eye contact and keep doing what your doing and once your done smile and say better keep going.


  • Give time to people when you have it – ie in a lift or waiting for an appointment but otherwise just keep moving and answer with a big happy smile as you walk away saying ‘ nice to meet you’ as you go. I also find that during the week everyone wants to chat but on weekends less so but it’s more busy out. Sometimes hard to choose which is better lol.


  • Lol I hear you! Answer the one question as you keep walking with a smile. Don’t stop moving! Or end all questions with ‘have a nice day’ so they know you can’t chat.
    Alternative… Do your best ‘resting hitch face’ :P


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