Do you let your kids climb UP slides or are you of the Park Etiquette Brigade?

[OverMyDeadBody]

I let my DS climb up it, if there are no other kids waiting to slide down and the park isn't busy or anything, but I've noticed some parents stopping their children doing this or tutting when other kids do it. What's your opinion?

I actually feel quite disappointed if my DCs come home from the park and they are NOT muddy/dirty. I feel as though they can't have enjoyed themselves enough if they are still clean . But I am one of 'those' people who don't let them climb up the slide, mainly for their own safety though as someone at the top could decide to come on down anyway and knock them sideways.

im with the op.
kids are kids ffs

It's only a slide! As long as no-one is waiting to come down then why not? My DDs have always climbed up, down, round, swung off the side and shimmied down, done all sorts on a slide. Let them be kids, I'm sure our own parents didn't get anywhere near as involved in all this as our generation.

Although I must admit, I did get slightly alarmed when I glanced up from my book to see DD (6) hurtling down the slide on a borrowed skateboard . Not a good idea, when she reached the bottom the skateboard shot off and she skimmed along the concrete on her back, removing a layer of skin. Ouch.

Wow. I had no idea anyone could have a view on this, let alone a negative one. Aren't playgrounds just for playing in however children want (as long as it's safe-ish?)

My daughter doesn't really know how to slide down a slide (16mo so not quite enough control unless I'm holding her) but she loves being walked up it. It never occured to me in a million years times 1000000000 that anyone would object.

Think I'm going to pretend I still don't know.

sandyballs, obviously I am not laughing at your daughter getting injured by her escapade, but I did LOL at your description of her skateboarding down the slide. I shall have to watch DS3 (aged 3) he has a big fascination with slides and sakteboards atm, but as far as I know hasn't tried them together....yet!!

sandyballs and Squirdle: Get your kids down to the local skate park! Go during school time and chances are it will be empty, so they can go wild running up and sliding down, using skateboards, and having great fun.