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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think a 14 year old can play in a playground?

148 replies

RedSkyLastNight · 07/10/2018 17:03

Whilst out today, we passed an adventure playground and DS (aged 14) decided to climb up some of the tall climbing structures and hang off the ropes. He was not in any other child's way.

A small child (aged about 5 or 6) came up to him, asked how old he was and then said "My Mummy says you're too old to play in the playground". DS said "well I'm not", and carried on doing his own thing".

DS was luckily oblivious, (my hackles did rise against the unknown parent), but was he BU? There was a sign up indicating that one area of the playground was only for children up to age 7, but no signs anywhere else suggesting acceptable age (and DS was no where near the under 7s bit).

Would you consider a 14 year old (playing considerately in respect of other playground users) to be too old to play in a playground?

OP posts:
manicinsomniac · 07/10/2018 17:48

For your average playground, I'd think he was too old but wouldn't be bothered by it.

For a really good, adventure style playground he isn't too old at all.

If the park was bothered about who plays on it there would be signs.

Aeroflotgirl · 07/10/2018 17:50

Erm User, what a load of bs, some adventure playgrounds or parks are designed for older children like teens and adults, so your theory goes out of the window. Young children should not be in the park unaccompanied then, very sad day it is, when children (that;s what they still are), not allowed to use equipment that is designed for them!

Sirzy · 07/10/2018 17:50

It must be hard living life so suspicious of a 14 year old who is just having fun user

And as for the risk of a 14 year old squashing an 8 year old surely the risk is the same of an 8 year old squashing a 2 year old so should we ban 8 year olds to?

AamdC · 07/10/2018 17:50

No not to old me and some friends met upin a park in the summer hols my friends son was playing on the playground swings climbing frames etc hes 18 although does have complecx learning disabillities .

Aeroflotgirl · 07/10/2018 17:52

There is an adventure playground near me, where equipment can be used by adults or older children, there is a zip wire type contraption, and a high spinny thing where two kids or adults hop on and it spins round. This is designed for older kids, teens and adults.

florenceheadache · 07/10/2018 17:52

Even the under 12 signs should be changed to 10. When the big kids climb to the top are raucous and boisterous it’s really irritating and dangerous for the toddlers and 4-5 year olds.
I load the kids back in the car and seek out another playground when I see teens.

Aeroflotgirl · 07/10/2018 17:54

I have been using parks for years, and never had any trouble with raucause teens.

BusySittingDown · 07/10/2018 17:55

Well, I’m 35 and still enjoy a quick go on the swings!

I don’t see any harm in a 14 year old playing on a playground as long as he’s not being rough or acting inappropriately (ie. swearing around young children).

MattBerrysHair · 07/10/2018 17:55

Of course he isn't too old! I go on the equipment with my own dc so long as there is no age restriction. Nobody has ever complained about me going on the stuff!

Nanny0gg · 07/10/2018 17:57

He's 14, not a 'young man'

Ridiculous and much better for him than playing Fortnite!

Leave him alone!

youarenotkiddingme · 07/10/2018 17:57

As an anecdote I've often found the only parents complaining about teens in adventure playgrounds are the parents of 4/5 yos who are playing in the 8+ section!

Aeroflotgirl · 07/10/2018 17:58

I agree teens whose behaviour is socially unacceptable (loud, swearing, intimidating) should not be using the park.

ButchyRestingFace · 07/10/2018 18:00

Depends on his height/weight.

Think I would have been intimidated as a young kid by a much older child or children in the swing park. But I was easily intimidated generally... Smile

Sethis · 07/10/2018 18:00

Anyone of any age can use a play park so long as they're not antisocial and give way to everyone.

TruculentandFarty · 07/10/2018 18:01

I think that we'd have fewer problems in society if teens were encouraged to play more.

When my kids were small I would play with them sometimes, why is that any different? I agree with PP that if teens are respectful and don't mow down small children, hog the equipment or be otherwise rude.

SpitefulMidLifeAnimal · 07/10/2018 18:04

Some mothers just want their kids to be able to play in the kids playground without possibly predatory males coming over and befriending (grooming?) them.

Yes and some mothers just want their kids to be able to play in the kids playground without some CF making out that they are "too old". Or some rotten old misandrist pointing the finger.

Original poster
RedSkyLastNight · 07/10/2018 18:05

Blimey, so a 14 year old playing in a playground (accompanied by parents and younger sister incidentally) is now a predatory male!!!

I actually don't know how to respond to that. Clearly some people do think like that .... I feel very sorry for my son (well any teenage boy) growing up with attitudes like that around.

OP posts:
bigKiteFlying · 07/10/2018 18:07

There is an adventure playground near me, where equipment can be used by adults or older children, there is a zip wire type contraption, and a high spinny thing where two kids or adults hop on and it spins round. This is designed for older kids, teens and adults.

There were parks like that where we used to live - with younger stuff in as well -and near IL - MIl was very upset zip wire had been broken this sumnmer as she loves to have a go - she's 67.

Dazedandconfused1988 · 07/10/2018 18:07

DH and I went in to the shop in the village earlier and we both went on the swings on the way home.
We have a combined age of 62, your DS was fine.

zzzzz · 07/10/2018 18:09

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

newhousenewstart · 07/10/2018 18:11

I don't know 14 year olds who would want to be in a childrens swing park. Don't most have an under 12's only sign up?

Passmethecrisps · 07/10/2018 18:13

I am genuinely appalled at the idea that someone would consider a 14 year old in a park a child protection issue. I agree that as a society we would be considerably better off if we didn’t treat teenagers like a bloody inconvenience or a threat. I wonder how user will feel when her children are that age.

Catsandbootsandbootsandcats · 07/10/2018 18:14

My son is 16 and loves going on the swings and the spinning seats. He has autism and learning disabilities so has no idea it's not socially acceptable to be seen in a play area.

I don't give a fuck, he loves it. Why deny him the opportunity to have fun because some people think he's too old? Hell, even I have a go on the swings sometimes.

Poor bloody teenagers can't do right sometimes. Stay in, get moaned about. Go out, get moaned about.

Watsername · 07/10/2018 18:15

So long as there is no age limit sign....

My DS is also 14 and often plays in the park with his younger brother. Noone bats an eye lid. He is careful and respectful of other children.

PositivelyPERF · 07/10/2018 18:16

When I’m walking the dogs within sight of the local playground, my youngest uses the swings. She 23, with SNs and wow betide anyone who tries to tell her off. So long as the bugger ones are not hogging the equipment or annoying the smaller ones, I don’t think it’s anyone else’s business.

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