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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to expect parents to back me in the play park!

37 replies

joyciegirl · 01/07/2012 21:07

Group of unaccompanied 12 -13 yr olds monopolising some equipment in the park today. Loads of parents with 2-8 yr olds looking peeved. I took my two over to the item they wanted a turn on and told the kids that my two would like a turn please. They got off and let them have a turn, when my two got off I thanked the girls for taking turns. We went to the roundabout and repeated the request to another group of mostly boys who also got off and let my two have a go. The older kids were obviously a bit put out but they did what they were asked! We had another go on each item again, each time asking the big kids to finish their turn so the little ones could have a go!

Other parents smiled and raised eyebrows at me indicating they thought the older kids were a nuisance but not one came and joined the queue for the basket swing or got on the roundabout too. It would have helped to send the message to the big kids that they have to take turns!

OP posts:
BartletForAmerica · 01/07/2012 22:13

"Loads of parents with 2-8 yr olds looking peeved."

The way I read the OP was that the other parents were just glaring at the teenagers, whereas they could have copied the OP and asked for turns sensibly and kindly and politely on the equipment, rather than just carrying on glaring.

BartletForAmerica · 01/07/2012 22:13

Cross-posted

exoticfruits · 01/07/2012 22:24

I can't see it is a problem.When mine were little they had a brother 8/10yrs old and so were not worried by it. They just used to go over to use the equipment and the older DCs just moved and let them-very often said something nice to them.

exoticfruits · 01/07/2012 22:24

sorry 8/10yrs older than them.

Original poster
joyciegirl · 01/07/2012 22:28

have just read through all your posts again..no I am not into demonising teenagers just the opposite! The parents at the park were annoyed that the big kids were monopolising the apparatus..the tension was almost tangible! But as I said the kids moved when asked politely but I felt it would have been helpful if the other little kids had come on the equipment too to show the big kids that use of stuff should be shared more equitably with all the people in the public amenity. We did not just march in and demand a turn. We were there playing for 10 mins or so before we asked for a turn. I am new to mumsnet..I find some some of you unnecessarily aggressive!Confused

OP posts:
jubilucket · 01/07/2012 22:31

Hi Joycie, I totally agree with you, teenagers are still children and if they thought no-one else wanted to play on the equipment of course they carried on using it.
If you're new to MN, probably best avoid posting in AIBU until you've lurked for a while, it can get violent in here...

mummy349 · 01/07/2012 22:35

Were the other children trying to play on it, or show interest in the area the older kids were in, and there parents moved them away?? If so, then I c ur point, if not theres there really isnt much of a problem

Original poster
joyciegirl · 01/07/2012 22:36

Sorry to post again..keep thinking of something to add..it also shows the younger kids that the big kids will let them have a go if they ask and not to feel intimidated, especially exotic if they do not have the advantage of older siblings.

OP posts:
exoticfruits · 01/07/2012 22:37

If you are new -advice-never post on AIBU! Smile

exoticfruits · 01/07/2012 22:38

If they don't have older siblings they won't see them as friendly-I just put it in to show that you generally don't have a problem if you ask nicely.

Original poster
joyciegirl · 01/07/2012 22:46

mummy349 it is hard to describe..you probably needed to be there! Younger kids were looking hopefully at the swing & roundabout which are by far the most fun bits of equipment and parents were, in over loud voices, saying 'come and play on this slide the roundabout is busy etc' whilst giving each other knowing looks! I really think they felt intimidated by the big kids some of whom probably could give bit of lip but nothing else. I also asked them not to swear when my kids were using the roundabout (2 stayed on) and they did as I asked..they were OK really but getting 'a bad name' by default! If you see what I mean Hmm

OP posts:
mummy349 · 01/07/2012 22:55

Yea I see what u mean now, if the younger kids wanted to play I get it, and also the swearing.. Nothing annoys me more than older kids swearing in the park, my ds picked up 'fucking' and I had a month of him adding it to everything!
I think sometimes parents r afraid to go over, incase it does turn into an argument which they dont want their kids to c?

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