to not want to go to the park anymore cos the big kids are meanies?

[NapaCab]

Took my almost 2 year old to the park today as we do regularly because he is very active and needs his 1-2 hours of running around every day.

Anyway, on the first climbing structure at the park some bossy little 4 year old shouted at us to take our shoes off or we can't get on, then her older sister pushed my son out of the way at the top of the slide, then the younger one said 'get out of the way' to me while I was helping my son up the steps. The grandmother with them said nothing so I left.

At the next play structure, I let my son up the steps on his own and was waiting for him at the bottom of the slide. An older kid was blocking him though so I went up and said to him 'excuse me, can you let us past please?' 'We need to get past you, thank you' and so on. He stood there smirking and said 'no you're not allowed' blocking us with his arms. No parent was in sight so I took my son down and went for a walk with him instead.

Another time my son was trying to climb on the toy train at the park and was pushed by a bigger kid, about 7 years old, saying 'No! We're playing a game!'. He pushed on my son's head too so I had to intervene and told him to be careful as my son is smaller than him.

So AIBU to not want to take my son to the park anymore cos the big kids are such meanies? Seriously I'm getting fed up of dealing with them, takes all the fun out of the day! Do kids just get cheeky after the age of 4 or are the kids I'm seeing unusual? Genuine question as I only have my PFB so far.

DD1 climbed so well that she had the older DCs looking nervous. Should someone that sizes be up there!
DD1 also had the social skills of a brick, she neither noticed nor cared if she'd pushed in or annoyed someone. Generally she'd climbed off before the other DCs had worked out what to make if her.

DD2 was just hyper cute and big kids generally got out her way.

Try to sound like a teacher in the icy tone as above. Sharp and abrupt with a fake smile should do it.

Oh remember this well. Don't forget the trauma if you dare to take any toys to the sandpit. They will soon be commandeered by other children which you have to tolerate in the name of 'learning to share' but then you have to try and get them back when you want to go home. For some reason you always have to persuade the children to return them without seeming like an ogre, while the parents apparently fail to notice that their child has aquired a 'new' bucket and spade.

I have a teacher voice which is usually effective with children and if their carer is in earshot they normally respond favourably too.

1. Excuse me this little boy wants to go down the slide now No reaction or rudeness?
2. Move please. Hesitation?
3. Now or you will have to get off the slide completely. If necessary I will ask the adult in charge to do something but so far it always works. When they do as I ask I always thank them for acting in a kind, grown up way to a younger child.