to think I should have told off these kids

[bonbonours]

I'm regretting not saying something to horrible kids in the playground today. There was a group of 4 boys aged about 8-10 who were throwing the woodchip at other kids and each other. Having got a tiny piece in my shoe I know it was quite sharp stuff and pretty nasty if you got it in your eyes.

My 6 year old went down a tube slide and these boys were waiting at the bottom and threw a handful all over his head, and down the back of his top as he came out. He was in floods of tears. I was too busy comforting him and dusting him down to think of saying anything to the kids straight away and then felt it was too late. I couldn't identify who the parents were of these kids, but I watched them and they went on throwing the stuff and generally making the playground a less nice place for other kids to play eg kids were then scared to go on the slide. I saw no sign of any parent telling them to stop or indeed interacting at all with them.

It wasn't even like they were too old for the playground and were bored, it was a really good one with loads of fun stuff for older kids, my 8 and 10 year old were having a whale of a time.

Should I have gone and told them off? Why can't some kids just enjoy the lovely facilities provided, but instead have to find fun by terrorising other kids?

[Flowerydems]

I'd have told them off, they're bigger kids and should know better. Obviously they're just bored, I find a quick clipped tone works a treat

[HarrietSchulenberg]

Yup, speak to them. I find that getting them onside by asking them to help the littler kids by not throwing stuff helps. I tackled some sweary teenagers once in that way and they were ace: apologised and then the girls policed the boys and kept reminding them not to swear.