DS aged 3.9 is stood on our gate …

[indurently]

He’s looking at cars, tractors and so on. We live on a country road. I’m pushing his sister on a swing.

And a couple just walked by and told me he shouldn’t be on the gate.

Racking my brains somewhat as to what we have done wrong!

😂😂😂

I didn't grow up on a farm, but my family are of farming stock and standing / swinging on gates was absolutely verboten because HINGES ARE EXPENSIVE. 😄

What do you think it is that stops horses escaping from fields or from stables? Some form of physical barrier perhaps... maybe one that is moveable/openable so that humans can come through it?

They might be worried about him getting out onto the road?

“What is a gate?”

It all made me laugh.. but this part really tickled me 😂

This thread is marvellous. And bonkers. Peak Mumsnet, that's enough for me today. I thank you all.

With his mum literally stood (hah!) right next to him?

Your property your business , I do know a child who was seriously injured from falling off a farm gate and was in traction for a couple of months. Awkward fall . We used to stand on our garden gate and swing in and out the driveway as kids it drove dm mad but was such fun 😆 🤣

I agree - the people pretending that they don't understand what the OP is saying are MN at its most batshit.

OP - you are free to ignore randomers who comment on what you do with your own son and your own gate. Just remember that when you come across gates that belong to someone else, he shouldn't be allowed to stand/climb on them.

And also feel free to ignore anyone who pretends they can't understand what you're saying.

It's not IRL, but it certainly is here. Seen it daily.

I'm wondering if they think he will be able to unlatch it and run into the road? Maybe? Escaped toddlers can match Usain Bolt for speed.......

It was the OPs own gate.

Who cares what 3.9 means?

If the 9 is for mths, he's 3yrs 9mths. If the 9 is a decimal, then he's 3 yrs, 10mths and 24 days. Hardly any difference at all, and has no impact on whether the OP should let him swing on her own gate or not.

I'm sure, if you try really, really hard you will figure it out.

Where did it say she was next to him? Also why didn’t op just ask “why?” Wondering how the conversation went.

Perhaps the random walkers thought the OP might have a horse she'd forgotten about lurking in her garden ready to bolt?

Yes I think you’re in the wrong. You’re pushing another child on a swing meanwhile your 3 year old is unattended stood on a gate? I’d be concerned if he fell off and injured himself, especially as you’re occupied with another child. If he slipped would you catch him in time?

You should have used the classic motherspeak term “four next birthday”. Still works when they get to 42 next birthday.

Bloody eu. My son is 367 and an eighth moons old.

*standing

Does it have spikes on it?
I vividly remember a fireman Sam book or episode where normal got his head stuck in a fence and they had to butter his ears to get him put. Maybe they have seen that too.

Rural children are taught never to stand on or climb over gates because it damages them. If it is essential to do this then they are taught to be as close to the hinges as possible so that they minimise the amount of damage.

Yes you should have him trained to stand beside you and await your next instruction.

The odds of a child seriously injuring themselves by falling from a normal wooden garden gate are low.

Yes, it could happen, but having falls and occasional scrapes is how children learn about risk and safety. You can't always be there to catch them, and this is a low risk scenario.