“I’m not a park mum”!

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I’ve come to the realisation that I’m just not a “park mum” 😅

I try, I really do… but I end up feeling overwhelmed more than anything. The noise, having to constantly be “on”, keeping an eye on everything, making sure they’re safe, engaged, not wandering off it just feels like a lot.

I see other mums who seem so relaxed, chatting away while their kids play, and I honestly don’t know how they do it. Meanwhile I’m counting down the time until we can leave without it seeming too soon.

Please tell me I’m not the only one who finds it a bit much?

No one likes going to the park except the actual children

She’s great. I don’t know why she isn’t doing more.

God, it's SOOOO BOOOORING!

I was so glad mine got out of that phase really early.

The summer after-school park visits with all of the Mums standing around in bitchy little cliques made me want to vom.

I take DS to the park about once a year. Other times he goes with friends or DH. I hated the park as a child and certainly don’t fancy standing around in one now.

I would only only really “enjoy” it when it was just me taking our children, sometimes i’d meet up with one close friend but i never liked the big meet ups/found alot of the mums quite “fake”
Our eldest DS has dyspraxia and was bullied alot going through middle school so i avoided “play” dates , he had had enough at the end of the school day, he liked going out with his brother, we kept it quite simple.
Once they were older, age 8 and 10 , I thought -whoop i can bring a book and enjoy the peace, they would go off and play
then I discovered I was pregnant with our DD, so it started again…..
She loved the park….!
Grin and bear it I would think, so glad its all over now.

I found it overwhelming when the kids were small. 3 and 1. But now I love it, it’s free and I don’t have to drive to it!

Honestly, now the only thing I don’t like about the park is that they’ve made the big swings smaller so I can’t have a go … I swear my arse hasn’t got THAT much bigger since having the sprogs 😅😅😅

You are not alone. This stand up from Jen Brister sums it up brilliantly. Even now at any mention of the park my husband and I glance at each other and mutter “look at me, look at me” 🫣

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CFE76rA3p/?mibextid=wwXIfr

No you are NOT the only one.

I absolutely hate taking my kids to the park for all the reasons you mentioned. I avoid it like the plague and do other things, like going to a national trust place where there's always stuff for them to do etc. And I'm not sorry, life is too short!
X

Came here to say this! It’s bloody brilliant. There is Nothing. For Grown Ups. To Do. There.

If ive ever related to a post it is this one. My god thank god someone gets it. The seventh level of hell the park, is probably my least favourite place on the planet. I like that my kids love it but hate that I feel like im working breaktime in a primary school. The constant supervision, the running around more than one would in a marathon, the screaming, kids knocking into you.

Not to mention the only thing my DD is interested in when there is stealing other kids scooters, bikes, doll prams, actual prams, you name it, she's taking it. Meanwhile my son is likely climbing a tree that he has no business climbing trying to catch a bird to keep as a pet, or is having a scrap with another kid over nothing. Oh my god. I feel my mental state unfolding just thinking about it.

The big playgrounds near me are so busy and overwhelming!! I don’t even think my toddlers enjoy them. We tend to go to the same small playgrounds where I can easily see them both - I secretly love it when there is no one else there so tend to go first thing in the morning!

I was babysitting my 21 month old dgd and I had to tell her I was a fair weather nanny - and it was freezing and drizzling- so we were not going to the park.

Google Jen Brister’s park sketch. She perfectly captures the “watch this” you have mentioned

I feel you OP. I think a lot of parents would agree with you!
while I don’t love love love the park, the benefits are definitely there ie it’s free, you’re outside in the fresh air, the kids love it.
i do prefer when a park is empty or emptier though as can be manic when there’s other children pushing your child and the parents are miles away :D
I would keep the park for an occasional visit and find something you both enjoy :)

Me too. My girls are older now, and the relief that I don't have to do it anymore 🤗
I detested it! 😵‍💫

I was always a "let's make some cakes and watch a film snuggled up" type of mum.

yup not a fan of parks 😂

Yep, hated it but I don't mind when it's quiet. Thanks goodness it's not forever. Softplay was the worst, I had to keep my eyes on them so that they don't get pushed / punched!

Yea my child just refuses to play by herself so I’m constantly the default play mate, spent years having to crawl round soft plays with her. When I was a kid I couldn’t wait to dump my parents and run off!
If she has a friend it is a lot easier these days as she will go off and play with them, thank god.

Hrft but we go to quiet parks or at quiet times.

I didn't enjoy parks but knew my boys did.
It was their time and my job to make sure they got to do things they enjoyed.

I loved the park. Activities laid on, no mess, kids burn off energy. I sit on my arse.

I personally find parenting easier when im outside at all ages, so im a big fab of parks (as soon as they start walking) walks, bike/scooter rides etc. In all weather except for rain or if its very muddy. Usually by myself, and dont feel the need to talk to other parents.

It doesnt matter whether they want to spladh a puddle with a stick, run around like lunatics, be loud, drop crumbs/spill their drink, etc. They burn off energy, i get some daylight and fresh air. They get to explore things that interest them (bugs, wildlife, etc). I dont mind having to go around or play with them.

Staying in at home is what i really struggle with and find overwhelming..... honestly cant stand having to think of what toys to get out to keep DC busy, hate crafts, find any pretend play boring,. For myself, being indoors just creates more mess and stress.

Mine are past that age now but I always hated it, especially in cold weather. So boring. When I discovered podcasts that did slightly take the edge off.

I like getting outdoors at the weekend but not hanging around in the bloody park. In the first lockdown you could go for a walk but the parks were closed. I liked that! We found lots of new local walks. When the parks reopened it was back to the same old shit.

Yes this is hilarious. Look it up on YouTube, OP!

Parks are to be endured not enjoyed.
😁😁.