Do Children Warm To You Or Does Your Smile Send Them Screaming To Their Momma?

Happy/Sad - When you smile at a baby do they respond back with a smile or cry for their momma?
May 23, 2007 8:08pm CST
It's so lovely to see a cute baby, its makes me want to go up to them and say all the goo goo lines every adult says to a baby. However, does that baby return the smile and goo goo's or does it instantly start crying for its momma? I have had a mixed reception, How about you? Do babies welcome your smile or freak as soon as they see you???
9 people like this
18 responses
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
24 May 07
I actually have a strange effect on babies, well, one baby in particular, because it was part of my course I had to look after a baby in a family unit, Whenever I went over to the baby he was asleep! He spent most of the time asleep! Apart from changing his nappies and having the opportunity to hold him, he was asleep! Who needs lullabies when you've got me!
2 people like this
@mummymo (23706)
24 May 07
Do you have the same effects on 5 yr olds my darling? I would love someone who could get mine to go to sleep hee hee But then I love you anyway so that is ok!xxxxxx
1 person likes this
26 May 07
Wow sounds like the perfect baby. You should hire yourself out to all the parents who have murders everynight getting their kids to sleep. By the way, do you have any tips for my son who's 13, as I am thinking of resorting to hypnosis! Thanks.
1 person likes this
@mummymo (23706)
26 May 07
hey alsorts - I've got a 13 yr old son too and I am thinking more along the lines of a padded room and straightjacket! For me of course as he is sending me round the twist!xxx
24 May 07
Me - A self photo.
Children tend to stare at me in a confused fashion, for a few seconds, then burst into tears, and run back to their parents!
2 people like this
26 May 07
I am now running back to my mum too!!!!
31 May 07
Good job he wasn't a Blair fan, you would be in serious trouble by now!!
29 May 07
It's my own fault, I had plastic surgery. I asked the surgeon to make me as pretty as a picture, unfortunately he was an Edward Munch fan! I could scream.
1 person likes this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
24 May 07
Well so far I have been lucky lol they have always smiled back at me but ...... I think Babies find me boring lol because as soon as I lie them on my Chest they fall asleep lol My Friend used to bring her Baby to me when she could not get her to sleep 2 minutes lying on me and she would be out like Light lol So is that good or bad? I don't know lol
1 person likes this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
26 May 07
Lol are you sure I still think I am just boring hahaha Actually I have to admit I used to love the feel of a Baby sleeping on me it was so relaxing
1 person likes this
26 May 07
You definately have the touch Gabs.
1 person likes this
• United States
31 May 07
Little babies seem to like me for some reason. They always want me to hold them - and I am afraid to hold small babies... I'm not good with kids. I have no idea what to do with them. Little kids on the other hand fear me. Especially little kids being brats in the store or on the airplane. I give them a look and they are good the rest of the trip. Of course I don't give them the look when their parents are watching.
1 person likes this
• United States
31 May 07
When I finally make it overseas I'll look you up lol
1 person likes this
31 May 07
LOL. Do you give out your services as I could do with my son having this done to him a few times. He is too use to my evil eye!! Thanks.
1 person likes this
9 Jun 07
Lol... Nice discussion... I love playing with kids, I'm a kid at heart to so most get on with me and I've never known a kid to go running to his momma except my son when he wants her instead of myself. ~Joey
1 person likes this
10 Jun 07
I have the same prblem with my kids!! When they want something they run to their dad!!
@mummymo (23706)
24 May 07
Well for the most part babies, young children and I seem to get along quite while! This was a good thing for me in my previous job as a Nursery Nurse, as it was called when I trained and qualified or an Early Childhood Educator as they are now known! The only kids that seem to get upset by me are the overgrown male ones or my own 2! hee hee xxx
1 person likes this
26 May 07
I am also a Nursery Nurse and I tend to have the best relationships with the naughty ones, they have such character. I definately know what you mean mummymo about the 'throw your rattle out the pram' males. I have 2 always to contend with. LOL Thanks.
1 person likes this
@mummymo (23706)
26 May 07
I haven't actually worked in nurseries for years - though I used to help out in my daughters! I had planned to go back into the nurseries when she started school last summer but by then I was unable to do it cause of the problems with my back! You are right so some of the mischievous kids are wonderful! My daughters old nursery nurse and I became good friends, although Niamh was always very good at nursery they couldn't believe the things she used to tell them, like how she hid the remote control said she didn't know where it was and then sit and watch everyone search for it for days - the list is endless! lol xxx
1 person likes this
• United States
24 May 07
For some reason kids really warm up to me quickly. I guess I am just a nice and friendly person to them and they feel like they can trust me. I love playing with other peoples kids, cause you can give them back! :) I don't have kids yet and I am not quite ready for my own for awhile yet
1 person likes this
@Stiletto (4579)
26 May 07
I'm not really that good with babies - I like them but they don't usually take to me that much! I wouldn't say they freak as soon as they see me but they usually get a wary look on their little faces lol. My grandaughter is actually pretty funny to watch with other people. She goes through a whole cute routine of smiling and giggling at strangers in shops or whatever but the second they go too near or (worst of all!) make the fatal mistake of trying to touch her she kicks off big time! My daughter is convinced she does it on purpose - it's like she's trying to reel them in so they think she's friendly lol.
1 person likes this
31 May 07
I think the phrase 'lulling them into a false sense of security' is certainly a good description. I have had babies do this to me and they make you feel like the boogyman who is trying to take them away. I always make a quick retreat so as not to take the blame for a screaming baby!!
@rosie_123 (6113)
24 May 07
Well people always seems really shocked when I admit to this - but the fact is, - I am not a child person at all - they don't like me, and I don't like them much if I'm honest!!! I am besotted by my cats as you know - would do anything for them, or, in fact, any animals, - but I've never felt comfortable around children, and they know it, and kind of either stare belligerantly at me, or run away!!! I'm the one in the office who always finds an "escaoe route" when xolleagues come in with their new babies, because they kind of freak me out! LOL! There - now you probably hate me!!!!!
26 May 07
LOL, at least your're honest Rosie. I must admit, even though I work with kids now, which I love I was never into mother/baby groups when I had my own. All that talk about birth, what each others babies are doing, I would rather watch paint dry!! Thanks.
@inked4life (4224)
• United States
31 May 07
Kids, especially babies, always seem to take a shine to me. Whenever I smile or wave at them it usually gets them giggling. Don't know if they like me or just think I'm funny looking. I'll believe that they like me...LOL
1 person likes this
31 May 07
I'm sure its your smile inked!! Have your tattoos ever made a baby cry??
@mememama (3076)
• United States
24 May 07
I usually have a good reaction. I think it depends on the kid, my son will smile at anyone-a cute blonde lady or a demented crazy man on the street corner. He's just a social guy! My nephew will turn bright red and run away if anyone says "hi", regardless of what they look like.
1 person likes this
26 May 07
My son's the same as your nephew, he hates anyone talking to him, even now he still has this reaction. Thanks
@tinamwhite (3252)
• United States
24 May 07
Most children are comforted by my presence.....I can hold and put to sleep children who are throwing a tearful tantrum...being a mother for 30 years (almost) seems to suit me....they seem to be able to feel that and are calm.
26 May 07
I think after 30 years you should write a book on your knowledge!! Thanks
@Woodpigeon (3710)
• Ireland
26 May 07
They always like me, which I hat because babies bug me. So do little kids (except my own). They are always trying to make friends with me, and I am one of those people you see holding them uncomfortably and trying to get rid of them as quickly as possible. Somehow, though, I always seem to have a house full and they all talk to me non stop.
1 person likes this
31 May 07
Thats funny. It reminded me of my dad who hates cats but whenever he meets a cat they are drawn to him which freaks him out.
• United States
24 May 07
Every time my sister and I go somewhere, babies stare at us. One time this baby was staring at my sister and when the mom got in the way, the baby kept moving until she could see my sister again. It actually happens a lot. Sometimes it's because we look so much alike, it's like they think there's two of us. But generally, babies reach out for us and want to play. It's funny and we love it because babies are fun. I'm glad babies don't cry when they look at me. ... great, now that I said that, it will probably happen.
1 person likes this
26 May 07
You must both give off an aura babies like. I hope you haven't jinxed yourself now!!
@sunshinecup (7871)
24 May 07
Normally babies and children take right up to me. However as of late, not at school. Another parent and I created and ran a Garden Club. Well we decided since it's two of us to use the "Good Cop/Bad Cop" routine, since we had soo many children in our group. This has worked keeping the kids in order, but I have a bad rep now, since I was the bad cop. So next year I told her, we have to find another method, this one hurts me too much.
1 person likes this
@urbangirl (1456)
• Australia
24 May 07
When I smile, I usually get babies staring at me - as if they are pondering for a second how to react, or a confused look and then usually a smile follows. If the baby is upset to start with, it doesn't stop crying when I smile. That's my experience anyway.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
24 May 07
i think i have an appeal to children and babies. they just love me :) i can easily get the attention of a child and let a smile out of their faces. there are times when kids will just walk to me and wants to be cuddled. my husband thinks that i have a magnet for kids because they simply can't resist my charm.
• United States
24 May 07
Every time my sister and I go somewhere, babies stare at us. One time this baby was staring at my sister and when the mom got in the way, the baby kept moving until she could see my sister again. It actually happens a lot. Sometimes it's because we look so much alike, it's like they think there's two of us. But generally, babies reach out for us and want to play. It's funny and we love it because babies are fun. I'm glad babies don't cry when they look at me. ... great, now that I said that, it will probably happen.