Big kids in under-2s soft play area causing havoc

[TrixieLox]

Went to a soft play centre today and there's a specific area for under-2s with big signs saying 'No children over 2 allowed'.

Despite this, there was kids clearly aged over 4 running riot and smashing all over the place, knocking little kids over. As they did this, the older kids' mums just glanced over, rolled their eyes then got back to their coffees. SO does my head in.

It's fine in the older kids' section, totally to be expected for kids to go crazy and for mums to totally enjoy their coffees, I'll be doing the same in a few years. But why why why WHY don't the mums encourage their kids to move AWAY from the baby and toddler section and make use of the MASSIVE and very fun-looking area dedicated to older kids?

Sure, it might just be the way it goes in places like this and I need to just accept it. But I 100% know I will not be letting my little girl in that area when she's older, even if it means putting my coffee down and removing her. I don't understand the 'can't be assed' attitude of some parents. It's fine when all it's doing is affecting their kids but when it means other kids are hurt, WTF?

Breathe

Rant over

[BotBotticelli]

Agree. Drives me mad. There's a small soft play area at a garden centre near us with a ball pond that 15mo DS loves but I am always having to rescue him from being clattered by 4yos who are blatantly not supposed to be in the baby bit. Drives me mad too!

[bellablot]

If you complain to the staff they SHOULD do something about it. I always tell my older kids to get out if the baby area. I complain to if I see over active kids over the age limit trampling all over the smaller ones. These places in my experience aren't policed very well.

[littlemrssleepy]

It's one of the great mysteries why when they are under 2 they want to go to anywhere but the toddler section, and when they are over 2 they don't want to go anywhere else. I was always a bit judgey when my ds was young and the big kids were in there. I'm always having to drag him out now. Ask that they leave but be nice about it - you will find yourself on the other side one day!

[lighteningmcmama]

That's why I stopped going to soft play.

[AHardDaysWrite]

I sit in the baby bit and fix any older ones who come near with my Teacher Stare, before telling them firmly to go and play in their bit. Does help that my day job means I'm very used to telling other people's kids off though!

[my2bundles]

They shouldnt be in there. On the same note parents of younger ones should not allow their little ones into the bigger section as it does impact on their fun.

[GingerDoodle]

It drives me absolutely mad. We got to two soft play centres.

Center 1. Vast majority of the centre dedicated to older children - parents not required to clamber in with them. Small baby area obviously intended fro crawlers / early walkers - its really not that bloomin difficult to hoik (or even bother watching them so you notice) your 3/4 year old out of it!

Center 2. Vastly better (and cleaner I might add) - small baby area, bigger bit for toddlers and big frame dedicated to older children but its made clear that under 5's should always be accompanied. Yes the small ones do occasionally get in the bigger ones way but as there are parents with them it's fine.

[my2bundles]

Ginger, I have to beg to differ. it does matter if little ones get in the older ones way. they should be free to run and frollic without worrying about accidently bumping into a younger child. Parents in there mkae it worse as they block slides, steps etc. Rules are there for everyones enjoyment not just younger children.

[Oblomov]

Ask staff to ask the big kids to move to the area that is for their age.
Simples. Why the anger? Why don't you just do something about it?

[scarlettsmummy2]

At the soft play we go to they just make an announcement asking for older children to stay out of the toddler bit. However, I am one of those annoying mums having coffee who doesn't get too worried- I have a just turned two year old and a five year old and the little one has long been robust enough to cope with being dragged about by four and five year olds so I don't worry so much. Fair enough if the older children are being very boisterous, but if they are just on the slide I wouldn't be annoyed. I also wouldn't have let a non walking child in on their own anyway.

[evertonmint]

Also bear in mind "no child over 2" actually may mean "no child over the age of 2 and 364 days", not "under 2s". And an almost 3 year old can look like a 4 year old to parents who only have babies and young toddlers. So they may not be in the wrong place at all.

But their parents should be sorting them out though!

[LunchLadyWannabe]

This is why i do not go to soft play

[GingerDoodle]

my2bundles - sorry I didn't make it clear - I was referring to a soft play centre where all small ones ARE allowed on the big frame as long as parents go with (and it is set up to facilitate this). I would not allow my DD on the big frame if she was not allowed to be there as i respect a play by the rules set by the centre (and also do not particularly wish to be in the way of a rampaging 3/4 year olds lol).

[CreepyLittleBat]

Soft play is hell. Why do people put themselves through it?

[smearedinfood]

Umm just tell the bigger kids it's only for tiny people and be done with it.