Dear Abby

Please share this with your readers. I have a small child who is not fond of strangers. It is normal, and it is called stranger anxiety, which can start at 8 months, peeks at 18 months, and sometimes lasts until preschool years. More times a week than I can count we are approached by strangers who want to touch her, get her to smile or to say 'hello'. Abby, my child becomes unhappy when these strangers persist in their efforts, she lowers her gaze and tries to hide behind me, but they still reach out their hands and touch her hair and hands and other parts. Please, remind people that if an adult does not return your smile, you are not going to try and shake their hands or grab their clothing - why are you doing this to a small being who cannot stand up for herself? I know that she is cute, but even when I see a cute dog on the street I always ask the owner if it is OK to pet it - why not extend the same courtesy to humans? Sincerely,

Baby owner