To think that parents should keep their age 4+ dcs AWAY from the toddler section at soft play/park

[peacelily]

Because of the rain yesterday I took dd(2) to local soft play even though I believe it's truly hell on Earth.

Just makes me that children who're obviously too old are diving in all over the little ones in the toddler section whilst parents are "having a break" reading a magazine in the cafe!!! It's dangerous and inconsiderate and scares the little ones.

Wake up and smell the coffee parents, whilst you are out with your dcs you have to supervise them closely ALL THE TIME, regardless of age.

Also annoys me at park too, 12 years old crawling all over little slide/swings.

Anyway rant over, bored this am

Peacelilly - I find it terrible that you begrudge peole a "break" I have a fine time with my two infact we have just built a tent/den with the clothes hourse and all the cushions and throws and they now are playing quite happily without my interaction.

What is wrong with having a well earned break. I dont go out to work, I spend my time with my children. I think it pays sometimes to have a live and let live thing going and also pick your battles. Half term is always hard for people, often they have to take time off to look after their children, they are in a different environment.

Madhouse,a break is perfectly reasonable but why would any parent allow their older children to use something specifically there for little ones?
My local play area has two distinct areas, with signs. I do not allow DS(6) to play in the toddler area. If it only have one area and that was for toddlers, I just wouldn't go. It would be utterly unreasonable for me to suggest that parents of toddlers make allowances for me simply because it's half term.

You know what - the one we go to, doesnt have toddler time during the holidays, they do have an area for under 4's, but they charge full price for both toddlers and over 4's.

I just think sometimes if pays to be a bit more relaxed, not everyone has the same standards. Also if it is so bad complain to the place.

MadHouse, I don't see how soft play places could be a break for anyone. At DS's current toddler age, there are more relaxing places to take him, but what if it's rubbish weather and I want him to be able to move around? I'd be inclined if I was taking him to soft play to leave my hot drink/food/ relaxation to going to a separate cafe afterwards, preferably one with highchairs and a tolerance of small kids.

Who says anyone is 'allowing' their child to leap around the toddler area. The parents might well tell them off if they knew/saw them. The child might be part of a party (when really the host can't keep an eye on 15 children running in different directions).

We've all agreed that no-one in their right mind follows an older child around a soft play area so there might be a time in which the parent has no idea their child is causing chaos in the toddler area.

Of course the children shouldn't be there. Just tell them to move.

I agree @OP

I would also like to ask parents of very frail / small / toddling 2/3 yr olds not to let their little angels play in the ball pond / at the bottom of the slide etc etc if they are going to ghave a heart attack every time their little angel takes a bit of a knock from a boisterous 4 yr old

Seriously, though - softplay is shite.

And personally, I can't see the point in softplay if I can't have a coffee and 3 minutes peace.

I'll bet that if you totted up the number of children who did this, it would roughly equate to the number of under 5's who sit at the top of slides whilst a long queue of older kids waits patiently behind them.

I do sympathise, but I would tell the older children to go and play elsewhere, just as I would encourage the little one on the slide to get a move on, if parents not about.

And I'm afraid I don't follow my children's every move at soft play - I thought that was the point of them?? They get to charge about screaming and I get to read a book whilst drinking coffee

It really isn't worth ranting about IMO

The parents of pfbs who glare at my older children in the tense anticipation of their potentially knocking over or bumping into their child spoil my Café Latte. And that's just not on. So, everybody who agrees with me, may I congratulate you on your well thought out arguments, and your good reason. Everybody who disagrees with me, see a counsellor immediately and if you can't afford it, rob a valium.

I always have a few lying around, down the back of the sofa, in the colouring box...

I'm sorry but I am pmsl at gateau's indignation at parents not 'interacting' at a soft play centre

I have never never liked or agreed with the whole pfb thing but suddenly I get it

So gateau why is it not ok for a 8/9/10 year old to be in there helping or 'interacting' with a younger sibling but it is ok for you to be in there climbing over everything and not careing if you get in anyones way?!

elkiedee - My two actually play really independantly at soft play, coming back to get a drink or to tell me they love me . I ususally take my neice too (who is also 3.6) and go with a friend who has two under 6 aswell and we do get a break and a HOT drink. Yes I HOT is importanat as our local surestart has a no hot drinks policy and I was under the impression that the only reason to go to toddlers was to have a hot drink

My boys relish the independance they get at soft play. I do not have to ensure that the gate is not left open, like I do at the park and it is a treat.

I hate softplay, it makes me want to poke my eyes out with sharp sticks.