Have I become That Parent?

[singinintherain]

I just complained to the organisers of a stay and play at a children's centre and don't think I can go back now.

It used to be full of great messy activities, like squidgy spaghetti in water and a big pile of mud with diggers on it. It was all at my one year old's level, and all child led.

Now, it has tables and chairs (primary school size, so you have to lift your child up and stay with them, because they can't get down by themselves) and bottles of hand sanitiser everywhere!

I voiced by objections at the beginning of the session (to two people who work there, and on a feedback form) and spent the rest of the time there feeling slightly unhinged and guilty. Now if I go back I'll be That Parent. Help!

Sounds like you were complaining because it's become more organised.

Are all the other kids too small for the tables and chairs?

Yes, most of them are too small. It's the philosophy that seems to have changed. The woman that ran it before believed kids should get the chance to play with lots of wet/gooey/tactile stuff because it's more difficult to set up at home. Children used to be able to flow between activities and now it's a bit stop and start. It used to be the
only place around here that did something different, that's what makes me feel so sad!

If its all changed and you think its not as good then I think you should voice your opinion.
If they have feedback forms then they want feedback!
However, if its now run by someone with different ideas to the other lady and she wants to do it her way - then you may just have to find somewhere else to take your child.
You are not THAT parent - you are A parent and what you think is just as important as any other parent!

Our children's centre has a new 'rule' that ALL toys must be disinfected after EVERY group that they run.

The result - they put fewer toys out.

Eek! Craziness. I think I'm not going back, too embarrassed!

I'd get involved in the parents forum. All council run kids centres should have one. You have the right, as a customer & tax payer to state your views. The whole point of kids centres was to attract parents & provide engaging activities, not go health & safety mad & put people off. I'm a local authority worker & the odds are most of the staff will be glad you said something, cos they can't to their over zealous boss!