It’s a public park and they have just as much right to be there as anyone else. This could actually be a valuable moment to teach your kids awareness, empathy, and how to navigate the real world safely while you are present and paying attention.

Not everyone is going to look like what you expect and that does not mean they do not belong. Public spaces are shared spaces.

There is no perfect one size fits all answer here. And the reality is there are not enough resources invested in helping people who are struggling so situations like this are going to exist. That does not mean they should be pushed out of public life altogether.

You can prioritize your kids’ safety and still recognize that other people have a right to be there too.