Playground behaviour

[playgrounddramallama]

Wanted opinions on what is acceptable playground behaviour. My partner and I disagree and not sure if we just had strict parents ourselves and replicating that or if it’s really not appropriate.

Things like climbing up a big slide if there’s no one waiting to come down but perhaps other children nearby/climbing the ladder or using the wobble/back and forth equipment really violently/enthusiastically. Part of it feels like it’s not being respectful and part of it feels like you should be able to play in a playground!

Opinions please!

Climbing up the slide was one of my absolute nos when mine were little. Even if there's nobody wanting to come down, it makes it dirty and less slippery.

Playgrounds are mucky, muddy places anyway so children climbing the slide wouldn't bother me. Kids use play equipment in many different ways as well as the intended ones, and I don't necessarily think this is a bad thing so long as they are showing sufficient consideration for others. And unless trailing tinies, personally I think parents should hang back a bit before intervening (assuming the absence of downright dangerous or unpleasant behaviour). Kids are capable of sorting out a lot of things themselves.

I don't let my little boy climb up slides because then he'll think it's ok to do it all of the time, even when kids are coming down etc. I think it mixes up the rules/boundaries - and I'd also like my son to stick to the rules of the environment he's in also.