Empty chairs at busy softplay places.

[AmazingBouncingFerret]

Today I braved the hell that is commonly known as softplay. The weather was shit so it was inevitably packed.

All tables taken but lots of spare chairs, I asked about four different chairs only to be told they were taken - fair enough if they are.

So I was stood there like a lemon, balancing fruitshoots on the bubblegum machines whilst trying to read my game of thrones. (wifi was broken which added to my fury)

One woman I asked was sat alone at a table of 4 (but only 3 chairs were there iyswim) After she has told me the seats were taken she moved the two pairs of children's shoes off the floor and onto the table infront of the chairs. Another woman who I previously had asked (and if you're reading sorry if I was slightly blunt when you said they were taken ) took pity on me standing like a lemon and brought over a chair but asked if her child could please use it when they had ordered lunch, I said no problem, we then laughed at how busy it was.
So I sat at space on the table for four and not once did anyone sit in the spare chairs, I was there for almost an hour when I gave the chair back to the poor kid wanting his lunch and at this time the other woman was getting up to leave. She actually said to me "we're going now, you can sit on one of these chairs if you want" I was too tired, in pain and generally feeling shitty to respond with anything other than a feeble "thank you"


So am I being unreasonable, saving chairs for children who are far to busy having fun and being little tearaways to actually sit on them is not on. Especially when busy and lots of adults have nowhere to sit.

[cushtie335]

I'm so glad the soft play days are behind me. That is all.

[AmazingBouncingFerret]

I usually avoid them like the plague but in a fit of weakness I gave in today.

[AmazingBouncingFerret]

And they maybe behind you now but you're one step closer to them approaching again with Grandchildren

[thebody]

rather rip my own arm off than go back to a soft play.

get waterproofs and go outside.

[cushtie335]

"And they maybe behind you now but you're one step closer to them approaching again with Grandchildren"

Oh no I'm not!! :) DD is 16 and shows no signs of maternal instinct whatsoever and DS is only 12.

Chances are they'll be coming to see me in "the home" by the time DGC arrive har har.

[MrsTerryPratchett]

I never get to sit down too busy helicoptering my violent psychopath 2 yo.

[AmazingBouncingFerret]

No can do I'm afraid, my children dissolve in water...

[AmazingBouncingFerret]

I used to love an excuse to go in on the equipment MrsTerry.

[UserError]

I would have been fuming. Our local soft play has it right, I think. They only let you in if there is a table free with enough chairs. It means waiting in a queue to get in at busy times, but once you're in, you're guaranteed a seat and some peace and quiet while your DCs run around like loons.

[MaryKatharine]

I've never lived anywhere where they get so busy. Well they do get busy in the rain but never so busy that there's nowhere to sit. But then I can probably get to about 8 within 15mins so that might explain things. Maybe also explains why they are always spotless with great food. The competition would force them out of business otherwise.

Oh and yanbu.

[BrokenSunglasses]

I think these places could do more to help the problem themselves.

If they provided more seating that could be used by people who weren't planning on eating, then it would leave space for those who are eating.

I can understand people saving space for their dc to eat lunch or to sit and have a drink for a few minutes before going off to play again, simply because otherwise they won't have anywhere to sit when they do need it.

The soft play place should provide enough seating for all the people that it admits,

[AmazingBouncingFerret]

It was the only reason I went tbh UserError. I've been struggling with my backpain and hip and the kids were bored yesterday being all cooped up whilst I died silently on the sofa so I thought I could happily die silently at softplay while they ran some energy off. No such luck.

[Icelollycraving]

Is it really bad that I have never taken ds to one? They look grim.

[AmazingBouncingFerret]

IceLolly, this one isn't so bad, I never eat there though so god knows what the food is like. The chairs are comfy (if you can get one)

[Icelollycraving]

My niece had her birthday party at one. I'm scarred for life :o

[GreenShadow]

I loved them and the children loved them. Still would given a chance.

Never really seen what the issue is with them.

[MammaTJ]

I, being the stroppy old bitch that I am, would have asked after a while who was sitting in them. If they said the children, I would have laughed and sat down, saying conversationally, if the children really wanted to sit down, staying home in from of the TV is the cheaper option. When I take my children to soft play, they better damn well play, not be harrassing me sat down next to me.

[Icelollycraving]

Maybe when we move . The nearest one looks hideous.

[AmazingBouncingFerret]

This thread is slowly morphing into whether you like softplay or not, this wasn't what I was asking! Am I being unreasonable to expect a damn seat and not have to stand and stare at god knows how many empty seats that are saved for precious fucking Tarquin and Johnny??

[AmazingBouncingFerret]

Thank MammaTJ. You should have been there with me, I think I've lost my bolshiness.

[Fakebook]

People are rude and territorial on the play equipment too! Not just chairs

I went yesterday and was told to move by a woman twice with a "can we get past?" and glare, when I was trying to coax my 19m old who was stuck, out of the ball pit. I hadn't been there for more than 2 mins. She then hogged the tunnel herself playing "peekaboo" with her 2/3 year old. She did this twice and then they followed us to the trampolines about 5 mins later and said "Can you move again, sorry, I keep asking you to move", to which I replied "yes you do" and followed DS to the swings. She then sat there hogging the tunnel to the trampoline again, when her son was capable of jumping on it without her standing right outside the entrance part.

[Icelollycraving]

Whoops,sorry for the input into my feelings of grimness re soft play. Yanbu. There should be some form of sealed box with eye mask & earphones like on mr & mrs.

[FridgePervert]

YANBU, that is just bloody rude. Why on earth do playing children need seats?
I would have happily given up one of my DCs seats in this situation.
Yesterday me and DD gave up our seats when we were waiting at the chemist to people that needed them more, it's just manners. Sadly lots of people don't have common courtesy these days
Selfish fuckers

[Caboodle]

Yanbu - but I think that children should give up their seat for an adult anyhow...and I know not everyone agrees.
As for saving seats for children playing...it's hilarious.

[AmazingBouncingFerret]

No I apologise Ice. You are well within your rights to express an opinion on softplay. I'm just feeling very ratty right now.