To hate going to the park?

[badtasteflump]

We have a nice big garden with nobs and whistles galore - ie a swing, seesaw, a real live pirate swing boat, a slide, a playhouse, big lawned bit for running about & stuff. But now the weather's nice I get nagged to take the DC to the park pretty much every afternoon after school, and if I dont take them I am apparently evil.

The park is ok, if you overlook the teenagers sulkily taking over the swings, the dog shit, the litter, and the fact that I can't relax because I've got to watch my youngest one like a hawk.

Why aren't they happy playing in their own garden, where they don't have to queue to use the slide and I can lie on a sunlounger with my eyes shut, g&t in hand?

Yes. Amen. YANBU

I am hoping it rains before school's out.

Always hated the park trips. Done with gritted teeth frankly or for dad to enjoy some quality time.

You just can't relax really can you?

YANBU.

But bring a book. Makes it much more bearable.

I love you both

Are there schoolmates at the park?

And you, xposted knowitall

But if I bring a book I will take my eye off my smallest Flump who will then pick that second to fall down a rabbit hole.

I am sooo bored of the park! And DS isn't old enough for me to just sit on a bench and leave him to it. Can't wait til he is, then I will definitely be taking a book!

I hate taking DS to the park, for all the reasons you gave.
YANBU.

Your garden, on the other hand...
WIBU to bring DS round to your garden, instead of the park?

Another park hater here - I am hoping it will get easier though DT's are 2 next month and just run in opposite directions - in front of swings, out of the gate, up the slide.

If they are not running off they are drinking the dregs out of discarded super strength lager cans littered on the floor, and I spend my time wildly looking around like a Meercat deciding which one to run after.

You're most welcome NoVeg

And not to big-up my pirate boat or anything, but it takes adult sized people too! Really!

But does it impress my DC much??

That would be 'adults' then

The park got so much more fun when I got the mumsnet app.

Adult sized people pirate ship?! Gin?!

It'll just be me coming!

Well I'll be seein' u then NoVeg

Don't get too comfy though - it's self-propelled, ie you have the pull a string to get it going - what did you think I am? Billy Smarts circus?

I was really pleased a year ago when I found out they were investing a bit in some new equipment for our local park. What they did, however, was make an area for the smaller DCs at one end of the park, and an area for the older ones at the other end. Now I'm at the smaller bit with a happy 3 year old and a sulking 8 year old, or at the other end with a happy 8 year old and a 3 year old trying to 'challenge' herself on equipment far too big for her. Can we come to your garden too please?

That was designed by a man then

Yes why the hell not - bring some more drinkies though, I may be running low soon.

I don't get pestered for the park quite as much. I think that the reason for this is that I have a dog. DS knows that if he asks to go to the park, before he gets to go into the playground, we have to walk the dog. Its quite a big park

I cant stand the park, full of wierdos and thats just some mothers!
LOve being in my garden kids can get filthy and thens its just a strip and into the bath.

Your garden sounds cool where did you get the pirate ship?

They probably just want a change of scene and the chance to mix with other kids. I have a friend who NEVER takes her kids to the park because she has a garden with bells on. I think its sad, a WHOLE childhood never having gone to the park.

I made good occasional friendships at the park. You know the kids you bump into each summer there but never see any other time.

Fleabay. It fits on a tp giant swing frame. It's only supposed to take the weight of one adult & one child actually but it's taken the weight of many a pair of drunken adults and not collapsed yet

By the way PooPoo thanks but I didn't really want any replies from anybody who doesn't agree with me

I hate the park at the moment. DS1 is 3.5 and permenantly wants so-and-so's scooter/bike/football, etc. DS1 is 18mths and so able to run off in the blink of an eye as well as not being able to climb the slide steps, etc, without me to watch in case he crashes off. Which means I can't push DS1 on the swings and can't stop him from nicking other kids' stuff, fighting with someone who nicks his bike, blah, blah, BLAH.

Just writing that made me tired. On the weekend when there's two of us to take them, fine. On my own? Nope.

Ooh, forgot to add, I also make sure I have an outside (well, in the shed) freezer stocked with a large selection of lollies. You don't get that at the park.