Would you pick up a child that wasn’t yours?

So you expected her to let the child drop a baby on it's head then...

To be honest, if there was a 6 year old child struggling with a toddler, I would be far more concerned as to where their parent/ responsible adult was than whether I should be lifting them onto a swing. I would have asked ‘where’s mummy or daddy?’

I've helped a small child off a climbing frame before, I'm quite happy to do that but I'd be more reluctant to help a child up/into equipment because if they can't manage themselves then I'd feel obliged to watch them to make sure they don't fall/get hurt. That's if complete strangers, if I know the child (neighbour's child for instance) then I'd help more readily.

I would and have done similar. However worked with children for a long time in various capacities so think it’s more of a natural response for me.

I've helped random children in soft play before - at the point when I was with a 3/4/5yo who wanted me to come in with them or who needed help getting up and down high clambering steps. Once you're deep in there, if you encounter another small child looking stuck or upset because they can't quite reach to climb up, the kind thing to do is offer to help.

Depressing isn't it . . .

That reminds me of a time when I was lifting my 12 month old daughter from the top of a small slide (her dad was at the top) and as I was lifting her down I got my feet caught in some netting and tumbled over, somehow managing to stop myself from dropping my DD! I was stuck and couldn't get up while holding my DD. Loads of parents were around and no one came to help me, even though it was obvious taking my daughter would have helped until I'd got up. Instead I laid in the mud until my partner clambered down.

I think it depends, to get a kid down from somewhere high and no parents about, for example, yes. But in this case, I'd feel obliged to hang about for when the kid wanted to get off, as they wouldn't be able to do it themselves. I'd stay well out of it.

That’s the sort of comment that stopped my husband from watching his grandkids from the swimming pool viewing area.

One lady, obviously of a similar mindset told him that ‘only THOSE people watch from there, the ones beginning with ‘p’ (taps nose)’ 🙄

Yep, PARENTS

I'd only pick up someone else's child if they clearly gave permission and the child was happy to be picked up.

FHS common sense dictates that you would help the child so the other child doesn't get hurt...! It's a no brainer surely?

I would have helped without hesitation. My children have been helped on and off equipment by other parents, yes including men. I don't automatically assume any ill intent on their behalf.

Yes that’s how I took your post. Odd the pp decided to put the most negative interpretation on it and have a go at you for it!

I understand your hesitance but I think you handled the situation perfectly and it sorted itself out. You checked to see if the parents were on hand first, as always best to ask first before handling another child (if you don’t know the child/parents). The exception is of course a dangerous situation. Occasionally I’ve intervened out of instinct to stop a child getting hurt or taken a distressed child by the hand to find their parents.

I wouldn’t even think about it and would just lift the child in.

I personally wouldn’t help.
what if the child couldn’t get out and you’ve left? Or the child isn’t allowed in the swing? You just never know

I do get involved (and would have here) but it’s a cultural thing and that’s how I’ve grown up.

You did the right thing if the child was about to fall of course you would catch them. I’m a childminder and never touch another child without asking a carer unless they are going to come to harm without me stepping in.

I would help a child off a climbing frame but not onto one

Not in this situation as the parents should have been there with a child so young and the elder sister may have struggled to get the baby out again and caused an injury then.

Ha, this happened to me with the child of a well-known celebrity / actor. We used to go to this pub because it had a lovely play area and the food was good. Celebrity & her husband (also an actor & erstwhile pop star wannabe but less well-known) were often there at the same time & we both had DS about the same age & they played together. The funny thing was that they only sat in the window overlooking the playground and never played with or supervised the child. One day he got ‘stuck’ at the drop of a fireman’s pole and asked me to help him get down, so I did. Celebrity flew out, didn’t say a word to me, but remonstrated with her poor DS for needing help and not waving to her or daddy. My DM was with us and remarked that the celebrity was all show and clearly had no real interest in parenting. A few years later the very same person apparently had her DCs removed by SS!

I'm a dad and I've picked up loads of random kids and put them onto play equipment. Also a while ago I picked up a toddler who was having a lying down tantrum next to a busy road. The mum had got fed up with her and walked on ahead. The kid was pretty surprised and stopped crying at least. Never had a parent tell me off yet.

I would have lifted the child off if necessary but not on. You dont know if they are allowed on the swing.

I have and would again. I always ask, even a toddler if they'd like help but I'm happy doing it.

Yes, I think this is where I stand too.

I was at the playground a while ago, me and my child, a dad and his child and a random girl (parent not in view). She asked the dad to lift her off the climbing frame, and he looked around in panic. Caught my eye so I went over and lifted her off. I can understand why he was so hesitant to do so.