Playground rules

[Anonymous]

For the zip line we use it as much as we want unless there’s a line. If there’s a line the. The kids take turns 1 for 1.

If I (my kid) was using something at a playground and another kid came up and took it I’d say “oh, we were using that, but You can have a turn when we’re done!” and then take it.

Neither of the things you posted are egregious offenses, but I think you were in the wrong for bogarting the zip line.

[Anonymous]

And I don’t think you can compare swings to zip lines. Like a slide, a zip line is a ride. There’s a beginning and an end so when you get to the end your “ride” is done and you get back in line.

[Anonymous]

Both are very normal for young kids.

If another child takes the toy your kid is playing with just ask for it back. Shouldn’t be a big deal, this happens all the time with shared toys and toddlers.

I would probably do one ride on the zip line than let the other mom have a turn and alternate turns with her. If I see that there is someone waiting for the swing I usually also casually acknowledge the parent waiting just so they know I know they want a turn.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If someone is waiting to use the swing, how many turns do you think you get before rotating? Doesn't matter if there are other things to do, her kid wanted to do that one too. This is all par for the course at these places, you need to bring a lot of patience and expect that things don't always run perfectly. There will be line cutting, not sharing, unpredictable behavior, and the more you relax and teach your kid to go with the flow, the better off you both will be.

I usually let my child swing for 3-4 minutes if there is an obvious wait. If a child is distraught, I tell my daughter one more minute.

We usually don’t even wait. If someone gets off, we may walk over but we don’t stand and wait normally for a swing. We don’t go during crowded times though.

It wasn't a swing, it was a zipline. You get one trip if someone is waiting, then you go to the back of the line.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So you are at a public playground/kidspace and there are many kids. These 2 things happen after a few seconds of having our "turn" in an area.

1. Smaller kid runs up and grabs the sticks to the musical instrument in playspace while DD is playing. We are both just stunned and then after a few seconds I look around for a parent. NO WHERE IN SIGHT.

2. 1 zipline swing, no one is there and then after 2 swings a mom and her kid stand right behind me.

There are many other things to do for a few minutes.

After a few seconds, I can hear her mutter under her breath. I'll give them 2 minutes and then it's our turn.


We don't go to playgrounds often but is this normal stuff that happens?

OP here thanks for the insight, even from the usual rude people! I never go to playgrounds but everything makes sense now. THANK YOU!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So you are at a public playground/kidspace and there are many kids. These 2 things happen after a few seconds of having our "turn" in an area.

1. Smaller kid runs up and grabs the sticks to the musical instrument in playspace while DD is playing. We are both just stunned and then after a few seconds I look around for a parent. NO WHERE IN SIGHT.

2. 1 zipline swing, no one is there and then after 2 swings a mom and her kid stand right behind me.

There are many other things to do for a few minutes.

After a few seconds, I can hear her mutter under her breath. I'll give them 2 minutes and then it's our turn.


We don't go to playgrounds often but is this normal stuff that happens?

OP here thanks for the insight, even from the usual rude people! I never go to playgrounds but everything makes sense now. THANK YOU!

You are welcome! There are definitely some layground norms and “rules” that I bet aren’t self evident if you don’t go often.

[Anonymous]

This all depends on how old the kids are. The younger the kid (like 4 and under), the more impolite behavior you can expect (and firmly but gently correct).

[Anonymous]

Ooo, OP yes, you were the rude one with the zip line. The other one, get out more. Kids are kids. Quit hovering over yours and she’ll figure it out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ooo, OP yes, you were the rude one with the zip line. The other one, get out more. Kids are kids. Quit hovering over yours and she’ll figure it out.

Depends on the age of the kid. You do have to model standing up for yourself before they can take initiative.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For the zip line we use it as much as we want unless there’s a line. If there’s a line the. The kids take turns 1 for 1.

If I (my kid) was using something at a playground and another kid came up and took it I’d say “oh, we were using that, but You can have a turn when we’re done!” and then take it.

Neither of the things you posted are egregious offenses, but I think you were in the wrong for bogarting the zip line.

Agree to all!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This all depends on how old the kids are. The younger the kid (like 4 and under), the more impolite behavior you can expect (and firmly but gently correct).

Uhh, a kid taking something out of another kid’s hands at that age isn’t impolite, it’s developmentally appropriate. You can still take it back, but the kid isn’t being “rude”.

[Anonymous]

What is a playground zip line swing and where can I find one?!

[Anonymous]

The zip line is the hit at all the new playgrounds. All the kids want to use it. You have to take turns for the zip line. You were being rude. That kid and mom were patient enough.

The other kid was rude if the kid took the tools out of your kids hand. I would have had the child give them back. Many people don't really monitor their children.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The zip line is the hit at all the new playgrounds. All the kids want to use it. You have to take turns for the zip line. You were being rude. That kid and mom were patient enough.

The other kid was rude if the kid took the tools out of your kids hand. I would have had the child give them back. Many people don't really monitor their children.

I'm trying to picture how this played out. If you don't get off the zip line at the end, would the parent have to push the kid, while he's hanging on back to the beginning to ride it again? How does it get back to the start, or can you ride it back and forth from either end?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So you are at a public playground/kidspace and there are many kids. These 2 things happen after a few seconds of having our "turn" in an area.

1. Smaller kid runs up and grabs the sticks to the musical instrument in playspace while DD is playing. We are both just stunned and then after a few seconds I look around for a parent. NO WHERE IN SIGHT.

2. 1 zipline swing, no one is there and then after 2 swings a mom and her kid stand right behind me.

There are many other things to do for a few minutes.

After a few seconds, I can hear her mutter under her breath. I'll give them 2 minutes and then it's our turn.


We don't go to playgrounds often but is this normal stuff that happens?

1. Did the kid grab the sticks out of your child's hands or were they laying there. If they're just sitting there, then I don't see why you're upset. If she took them out of your child's hands, your child needs to ask for them back and say "it's not your turn yet".

2. Zip line - did you seriously hog it? You need to take turns. WOW.