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Soft play area - Am I being a snob?

233 replies

CJones1982 · 08/01/2014 15:22

My DS has just turned 3 yrs old and we've just got back from our local soft play area. Whilst there, I witnessed some problems and behaviours from other mums and their children. Whenever we go there I make sure I'm feeling energetic so I can go round with him to help him and just incase he needs me, maybe I'm too protective! There was a group of 6 mums and they just let their kids get on with it. One gave her little girl a fruit shoot which she then brought into the ball pit, I don't agree with food in there anyway and there are signs saying no food and drink inside the play area. The girl then squirted the fruit shoot in my face. I was polite and just said 'we don't do that as it's not nice, drinks are for drinking. Her mum witnessed this then came over and simply took the drink off her and said your not allowed drinks in there, no telling off for the squirting! Don't give it to her then!! The girl was then throwing balls in other children's faces and then mine. I said to her ' these are to play in, you can throw against the soft wall or other balls but not at each other as that's not nice' - The children were all running riot and then I decided to take my son to a quieter area. All the kids then followed me trying to hold my hand and talking to me. I didn't mind at all but the parents just sat there gossiping or engrossed on their phones and had no clue where the children were. It's like I was the paid entertainer!! So am I being snobby? Does this happen at your local soft play? If my son showed any behaviour that was unkind or inconsiderate to others, I'd tell him! I mentioned to my friend on the phone when I got home and she said 'The mums were having a break, get over it' - So I had to ask you mumsnetters? If I'm wrong and you say so, I'll go with it!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
dogindisguise · 09/01/2014 18:17

I have a three year old and would love to sit and have a coffee but he usually wants me to go round with him. I think parents should keep an eye on their children even if not actually with them.

Worriedthistimearound · 09/01/2014 18:22

Oh I know! I have 3 soon to be 4! They are all different. I was just replying to your point that all kids your DS's age seem to be supervised carefully. Some, like my ds2, simply don't need it and certainly don't want it.
This one's going to be my first girl though so I guess she'll have her own innate differences too. DH thinks she will happily tag along with them to football, rugby and climbing. She may well do but part of me secretly hopes she'll be a girly girl who needs/wants her mummy just a little while longer than her brothers did. Smile

BOFalicious · 09/01/2014 18:24

You sound a good-humoured sort to me, OP, and whilst I wouldn't go in with my children, I can see why you did if your son is a bit on the clingy side. Maybe next time, try just hovering outside encouraging him, as the point of soft play is really to let them get on with a bit of mindless bouncing about.

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Pieinthesky11 · 17/04/2019 15:26

I'm currently in soft play...my son would be so mortified if I followed him and his other Pokemon friends around lol...he's six though I probably did when he was three though. I do feel I'm not doing v good parenting when I come here but at least he's getting excercise, social interaction, fun...he loves it...I'm eating toasted tea cake and drinking tea...I'm so grateful because I'm hanging with morning sickness today.

4cheekymonkey · 18/04/2019 19:38

Op I was initially thinking you are slightly OTT however thinking about that age you are right at the age of 2-3 it is completely acceptable to stand at places and teach/supervise your child the rules especially if it is your first and they probably need a bit more encouragement. I did exactly the the same with my first. It does anger me when badly behaved/rude kids spoil it for others and when mine come back saying they can’t get a turn on something as some others have just no idea how to wait for their turns, I will join in too and if that means having to tell other children to wait then be it. Unfortunately softplays are full of these kids (some of them probably belong to mums commented on here about how they never watch their 3yo and just let them get on with it). As your little boy gets older you can try and just let him get on with it more and only step in if he is unhappy. For now I think you did the right thing!

4cheekymonkey · 18/04/2019 19:47

Just seen this post is from 2014. Op I would love to hear about your experiences since..

user1496701154 · 19/04/2019 00:07

I disagree with alptnof others no your not been snobby. If you take your kids to a softplay bloody well watch them. O always do in the ball pit or around the softplay with my 1.5 year old. To make sure he's not hurt as I've had kids throw balls on his face before and mine and the parents were on the phone and when o told the kid no thtas not nice she just look he went to hit my little one and I had to pull apart parent still on phone. Pisses me off.

LouB1990xX · 21/04/2019 00:57

No your not being a snob just because it’s a soft play area doesn’t mean they can dump and run. Plus there are other reasons why no food or drink is allowed in, what of a child is allergic to something ? I agree with you I would say something to the mums 🤣 plus they should correct certain behaviours you can’t squirt things in people’s faces & not apologise or correct! Barbaric behaviour 😂 x

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