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AIBU?

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AIBU to let my grandson stay on the swing

212 replies

GrannyMW50 · 01/09/2026 21:32

While I'm looking after my grandson (2 &1/2), it's my job to keep him safe and happy. I do want to teach him social skills (sharing etc)...but also that he's important & he shouldn't necessarily put other people ahead of himself (especially strangers).
So, when at the park, I allow him to stay on the swing even when there are people nearby waiting for a turn.

At a park today, there was a very vocal mother with 2 children. She came along about 1 minute after gs had got on the swing. One of her children got on the other swing while her 2nd child had to wait. She kept saying, very loudly, that other child had to wait until we finished. Until he complained enough that she removed her daughter from the swing to let him on (making her daughter cry). Why would she think it's ok for my gs...a stranger...to be upset by being removed for her children?
There was another (I assume) grandparent that had taken child from her pram to sit & wait right next to the swing for a turn. Why not go on a different activity while waiting? It just feels pushy!

My grandson had waited ages for a turn...but from other areas of the park..& went running over once the swings were free. What rules do other people go by...& do these change with children's ages?

OP posts:
ColdAsAWitches · 01/09/2026 21:45

So, when at the park, I allow him to stay on the swing even when there are people nearby waiting for a turn.

You're being unreasonable. You're just teaching him to be selfish.

Waiting for this to be declared a reverse and you were the other mother.

Halfblindbunny · 01/09/2026 21:44

GrannyMW50 · 01/09/2026 21:42

Probably about 5/6/7 minutes.

Yeah that's too long when there is a queue.

Cla7 · 01/09/2026 21:43

GrannyMW50 · 01/09/2026 21:42

Probably about 5/6/7 minutes.

Cross posted. YABU in this case.

Cla7 · 01/09/2026 21:42

Yes, if it’s busy you take turns. Whether you’re unreasonable depends on how long he was on the swing. 1-3 minutes - YANBU. 5+ minutes: YABU.

GrannyMW50 · 01/09/2026 21:42

Pinkchickenwine · 01/09/2026 21:33

How long was he on the swing?

Probably about 5/6/7 minutes.

OP posts:
bocketyaulbag · 01/09/2026 21:40

After a few minutes (3/4 something like that) I'd tell him it's someone else's turn. If he cried, well unfortunately, everything in the park is for sharing so I would try and distract him and promise him another go later. I think that's how children are taught to live in a society.

EmeraldShamrock000 · 01/09/2026 21:39

Nothing worse than swing hogging. Everyone has to take a turn and queue nicely.

maggisimpson · 01/09/2026 21:38

So the other mum told her son he had to wait, then swapped her children over? Didn't do anything to your grandson at all?
What's the problem?

EmeraldShamrock000 · 01/09/2026 21:37

3/4 minutes if there is a queue.

Halfblindbunny · 01/09/2026 21:36

It depends how long he was on. Some parks you can't do other things while waiting for the swing or you would never get on. A queue usually forms in some form or another and if there is a queue you should be mindful of that but that doesn't mean immediately getting off.

fashionqueen0123 · 01/09/2026 21:34

I’d let him go on for a few minutes then say now we’ll let someone else have a turn.
One minute is obviously silly but you do need to get off eventually!

Pinkchickenwine · 01/09/2026 21:33

How long was he on the swing?