More playgrounds need age recommendations listed near equipment

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We live just two blocks away from a really nice neighborhood park. There are three climbing structures located in the park, two very large and one smaller. There’s also a large sandpit with some digging equipment and next to it a few very small climbing structures (basically soft domes).

The two larger climbing structures are probably geared for the 6-12 crowd or the physically aware/capable 4/5-year-olds. Lots of harder obstacles to climb up, big drops.

The smaller climbing structure is probably for 2-5-year-olds. Sometimes older kids will play, but for the most part it’s boring for them. A toddler could manage with an adult nearby.

Sandpit is for all ages. But the section closest to the soft structure climbing area as well as the area itself is where crawlers and new walkers play.

Yet this one mother comes every morning with her ten-month-old crawling infant comes to the larger structures and will finger walk her baby all over it. Which, when it’s not busy is fine. The baby seems to enjoy climbing and she has her at all times. But when it’s crowded with kids? She’s constantly telling kids to stop running and watch out for her baby when they’re up there. She’ll block half the structure so her infant can sit and play with the bars. Yesterday a group of kids were playing tag and about three 7/8-year-olds whizzed past her baby. She yelled at them to be careful and stop running in a very harsh tone. One of the kids moms yelled back something along the lines of, this is a playground, kids are going to run. She argued that the park was for everyone and the older kids should be considerate of the your ones. Other mom said this equipment was made for older kids and it wasn’t fair to expect the older kids to not play because she’s taking her infant up there. Infants moms said there wasn’t a sign stating it was for older kids older, so basically everyone was going to have to deal.

No, it’s not explicit, but obviously this is meant for children who are older. I agree with the other mom. It’s not fair to expect the other kids to change their play to avoid baby. It feels entitled.

I usually just have my kids play on the other large structure when she comes with her infant, but she’ll go back and forth often. I of course, want my kids to be mindful of smaller children but they should be able to play tag and run!

Ok, but what about when the play structures say recommended age 2-5 (like they do at my local playround) and the 5 year olds pay no heed to the 2 year olds? I get your point, but I also see the mom’s point about other kids having to be mindful of younger kids.

This is so much more common, too. I don't even have a kid in the 2-5 age range anymore but I will absolutely speak up in this situation and tell kids to let the little kids have their space. I also intervene when I see a younger kid trying to use the slide or something and not getting the chance because the bigger/bolder kids won't give the littler one a minute to build up the courage.

I'm always a bit amazed at how few parents try to teach their kids playground etiquette and how to play around kids of other ages but especially younger kids. I'm always reminding my kids about being gentler and more patient with younger kids and not hogging playground equipment. And they are pretty good about it (but not perfect). But so many parents just don't care at all and seem fine with a Lord of the Flies type playground environment.

I very rarely see parents of really little kids doing what OP is describing. Occasionally, but very few parents have the patience for it. Also, I rarely see kids that young at the playground during peak hours (after school until dinner time, or mid-late morning in the summer). I think most parents of babies and young toddlers understand that the after school playground rush is not the best time for their kids to be learning how to climb on the equipment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We live just two blocks away from a really nice neighborhood park. There are three climbing structures located in the park, two very large and one smaller. There’s also a large sandpit with some digging equipment and next to it a few very small climbing structures (basically soft domes).

The two larger climbing structures are probably geared for the 6-12 crowd or the physically aware/capable 4/5-year-olds. Lots of harder obstacles to climb up, big drops.

The smaller climbing structure is probably for 2-5-year-olds. Sometimes older kids will play, but for the most part it’s boring for them. A toddler could manage with an adult nearby.

Sandpit is for all ages. But the section closest to the soft structure climbing area as well as the area itself is where crawlers and new walkers play.

Yet this one mother comes every morning with her ten-month-old crawling infant comes to the larger structures and will finger walk her baby all over it. Which, when it’s not busy is fine. The baby seems to enjoy climbing and she has her at all times. But when it’s crowded with kids? She’s constantly telling kids to stop running and watch out for her baby when they’re up there. She’ll block half the structure so her infant can sit and play with the bars. Yesterday a group of kids were playing tag and about three 7/8-year-olds whizzed past her baby. She yelled at them to be careful and stop running in a very harsh tone. One of the kids moms yelled back something along the lines of, this is a playground, kids are going to run. She argued that the park was for everyone and the older kids should be considerate of the your ones. Other mom said this equipment was made for older kids and it wasn’t fair to expect the older kids to not play because she’s taking her infant up there. Infants moms said there wasn’t a sign stating it was for older kids older, so basically everyone was going to have to deal.

No, it’s not explicit, but obviously this is meant for children who are older. I agree with the other mom. It’s not fair to expect the other kids to change their play to avoid baby. It feels entitled.

I usually just have my kids play on the other large structure when she comes with her infant, but she’ll go back and forth often. I of course, want my kids to be mindful of smaller children but they should be able to play tag and run!

Ok, but what about when the play structures say recommended age 2-5 (like they do at my local playround) and the 5 year olds pay no heed to the 2 year olds? I get your point, but I also see the mom’s point about other kids having to be mindful of younger kids.

This is so much more common, too. I don't even have a kid in the 2-5 age range anymore but I will absolutely speak up in this situation and tell kids to let the little kids have their space. I also intervene when I see a younger kid trying to use the slide or something and not getting the chance because the bigger/bolder kids won't give the littler one a minute to build up the courage.

I'm always a bit amazed at how few parents try to teach their kids playground etiquette and how to play around kids of other ages but especially younger kids. I'm always reminding my kids about being gentler and more patient with younger kids and not hogging playground equipment. And they are pretty good about it (but not perfect). But so many parents just don't care at all and seem fine with a Lord of the Flies type playground environment.

I very rarely see parents of really little kids doing what OP is describing. Occasionally, but very few parents have the patience for it. Also, I rarely see kids that young at the playground during peak hours (after school until dinner time, or mid-late morning in the summer). I think most parents of babies and young toddlers understand that the after school playground rush is not the best time for their kids to be learning how to climb on the equipment.

I definitely see babies/toddlers holding up the slide. Parents will sit there and clap and encourage and blow kisses and what not with their little one who may or may not ever go down the slide. Just move the baby for a second and let the bigger kids go. Courtesy goes both ways.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Someone like that is probably not going to abide by the signage anyway.

Agree. Hopefully this mom will come to see the error of her ways in a few years.

[Anonymous]

I'm surprised there are no signs given that if you're injured you could sue the county (assuming this is a county/public playground) for dangerous features, but the County would rebuke and say "well, our sign says age appropriate for 7-10 yr olds, so you and your baby shouldn't have been on it to begin with".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We live just two blocks away from a really nice neighborhood park. There are three climbing structures located in the park, two very large and one smaller. There’s also a large sandpit with some digging equipment and next to it a few very small climbing structures (basically soft domes).

The two larger climbing structures are probably geared for the 6-12 crowd or the physically aware/capable 4/5-year-olds. Lots of harder obstacles to climb up, big drops.

The smaller climbing structure is probably for 2-5-year-olds. Sometimes older kids will play, but for the most part it’s boring for them. A toddler could manage with an adult nearby.

Sandpit is for all ages. But the section closest to the soft structure climbing area as well as the area itself is where crawlers and new walkers play.

Yet this one mother comes every morning with her ten-month-old crawling infant comes to the larger structures and will finger walk her baby all over it. Which, when it’s not busy is fine. The baby seems to enjoy climbing and she has her at all times. But when it’s crowded with kids? She’s constantly telling kids to stop running and watch out for her baby when they’re up there. She’ll block half the structure so her infant can sit and play with the bars. Yesterday a group of kids were playing tag and about three 7/8-year-olds whizzed past her baby. She yelled at them to be careful and stop running in a very harsh tone. One of the kids moms yelled back something along the lines of, this is a playground, kids are going to run. She argued that the park was for everyone and the older kids should be considerate of the your ones. Other mom said this equipment was made for older kids and it wasn’t fair to expect the older kids to not play because she’s taking her infant up there. Infants moms said there wasn’t a sign stating it was for older kids older, so basically everyone was going to have to deal.

No, it’s not explicit, but obviously this is meant for children who are older. I agree with the other mom. It’s not fair to expect the other kids to change their play to avoid baby. It feels entitled.

I usually just have my kids play on the other large structure when she comes with her infant, but she’ll go back and forth often. I of course, want my kids to be mindful of smaller children but they should be able to play tag and run!

Ok, but what about when the play structures say recommended age 2-5 (like they do at my local playround) and the 5 year olds pay no heed to the 2 year olds? I get your point, but I also see the mom’s point about other kids having to be mindful of younger kids.

This is so much more common, too. I don't even have a kid in the 2-5 age range anymore but I will absolutely speak up in this situation and tell kids to let the little kids have their space. I also intervene when I see a younger kid trying to use the slide or something and not getting the chance because the bigger/bolder kids won't give the littler one a minute to build up the courage.

I'm always a bit amazed at how few parents try to teach their kids playground etiquette and how to play around kids of other ages but especially younger kids. I'm always reminding my kids about being gentler and more patient with younger kids and not hogging playground equipment. And they are pretty good about it (but not perfect). But so many parents just don't care at all and seem fine with a Lord of the Flies type playground environment.

I very rarely see parents of really little kids doing what OP is describing. Occasionally, but very few parents have the patience for it. Also, I rarely see kids that young at the playground during peak hours (after school until dinner time, or mid-late morning in the summer). I think most parents of babies and young toddlers understand that the after school playground rush is not the best time for their kids to be learning how to climb on the equipment.

This.

The whole little kid/big kid playground sections are new inventions. Before that, kids of all ages played together, and parents taught their kids how to safely play when small kids are around. You're not doing your kid any favors by neglecting to teach them etiquette and safety. Boy moms are the worst offenders, I've had so many issues with parents who think it's totally acceptable for their boys to push, shove, hit, throw things, and pull hair.

And it's not just child safety. I play with my kids on the playground, and I've had kids shove and push me. Their parents are always zoned out on their phones, totally oblivious. Pay attention to your kids.

[Anonymous]

That’s obnoxious.

I hate when adults get on the equipment with babies. Let them climb the smaller set, and watch from the ground. It’s not that hard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That’s obnoxious.

I hate when adults get on the equipment with babies. Let them climb the smaller set, and watch from the ground. It’s not that hard.

I like to actually play with my kids. Sorry you feel guilty for ignoring yours

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We live just two blocks away from a really nice neighborhood park. There are three climbing structures located in the park, two very large and one smaller. There’s also a large sandpit with some digging equipment and next to it a few very small climbing structures (basically soft domes).

The two larger climbing structures are probably geared for the 6-12 crowd or the physically aware/capable 4/5-year-olds. Lots of harder obstacles to climb up, big drops.

The smaller climbing structure is probably for 2-5-year-olds. Sometimes older kids will play, but for the most part it’s boring for them. A toddler could manage with an adult nearby.

Sandpit is for all ages. But the section closest to the soft structure climbing area as well as the area itself is where crawlers and new walkers play.

Yet this one mother comes every morning with her ten-month-old crawling infant comes to the larger structures and will finger walk her baby all over it. Which, when it’s not busy is fine. The baby seems to enjoy climbing and she has her at all times. But when it’s crowded with kids? She’s constantly telling kids to stop running and watch out for her baby when they’re up there. She’ll block half the structure so her infant can sit and play with the bars. Yesterday a group of kids were playing tag and about three 7/8-year-olds whizzed past her baby. She yelled at them to be careful and stop running in a very harsh tone. One of the kids moms yelled back something along the lines of, this is a playground, kids are going to run. She argued that the park was for everyone and the older kids should be considerate of the your ones. Other mom said this equipment was made for older kids and it wasn’t fair to expect the older kids to not play because she’s taking her infant up there. Infants moms said there wasn’t a sign stating it was for older kids older, so basically everyone was going to have to deal.

No, it’s not explicit, but obviously this is meant for children who are older. I agree with the other mom. It’s not fair to expect the other kids to change their play to avoid baby. It feels entitled.

I usually just have my kids play on the other large structure when she comes with her infant, but she’ll go back and forth often. I of course, want my kids to be mindful of smaller children but they should be able to play tag and run!

Ok, but what about when the play structures say recommended age 2-5 (like they do at my local playround) and the 5 year olds pay no heed to the 2 year olds? I get your point, but I also see the mom’s point about other kids having to be mindful of younger kids.

I do think the older 5-year-olds should be mindful of the younger two-year-olds as the older 12-year-olds should be mindful of the younger 6-year-olds.

In fact, I even stated that I teach my children (6, 6, and 9) to be mindful of younger kids. We often will just move our game to the other large play structure.

My issue is with what I perceive is this woman’s entitlement. She will bring an infant who cannot use this structure independently while large groups of older kids are playing and often have established a game and as soon as she enters she expects them to change their play in order to avoid her and her infant. She’ll often use an entire section/slide of the play structure, forbidding any other kids to use the slide because her baby is trying to climb up or has found an interesting twig in the area.

I’m sure her infant would be safe and happy in the sand pit or on the soft climbing structures. I think exploding the larger structure is fine too, but not when it’s in use by a large number of older kids that the structure is meant for…

You’re the only one sounding entitled

[Anonymous]

Playgrounds are actually purposefully designed to discourage use by “too small” kids. The spacing of the steps/ladder, the height, the drops, etc. are all designed with different sized kids in mind. I know this because I was in charge of purchasing new equipment for our school. If a child has to be lifted or helped in anyway, the playground is not meant for their size.

I would tell my children to careful go around this baby/mom, but otherwise ignore her comments. If she wants to complain to me, I’ll be happy to tell her what I think.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That’s obnoxious.

I hate when adults get on the equipment with babies. Let them climb the smaller set, and watch from the ground. It’s not that hard.

I like to actually play with my kids. Sorry you feel guilty for ignoring yours

Are your kids over the age of 4? If so, give them some independence already. As bad as the baby moms are the parents who think they’re cool playing tag on the equipment. Let your kids make up their own games and learn social skills and keep your workout for the track.

[Anonymous]

There’s no need to play tag on the equipment. They could even injure a kid who is within the age limits but less sure of himself or near the edge. They can play tag on the ground, where tag is meant to be played.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There’s no need to play tag on the equipment. They could even injure a kid who is within the age limits but less sure of himself or near the edge. They can play tag on the ground, where tag is meant to be played.

Eta: my comment applies to busy times. If the playground is not crowded then have at it

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There’s no need to play tag on the equipment. They could even injure a kid who is within the age limits but less sure of himself or near the edge. They can play tag on the ground, where tag is meant to be played.

lol, we’re you ever a kid? Do you have kids?!

[Anonymous]

What I’m confused about is… if mom was with the baby, why was she worried about the big kids passing by? Presumably she could shield the baby?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We live just two blocks away from a really nice neighborhood park. There are three climbing structures located in the park, two very large and one smaller. There’s also a large sandpit with some digging equipment and next to it a few very small climbing structures (basically soft domes).

The two larger climbing structures are probably geared for the 6-12 crowd or the physically aware/capable 4/5-year-olds. Lots of harder obstacles to climb up, big drops.

The smaller climbing structure is probably for 2-5-year-olds. Sometimes older kids will play, but for the most part it’s boring for them. A toddler could manage with an adult nearby.

Sandpit is for all ages. But the section closest to the soft structure climbing area as well as the area itself is where crawlers and new walkers play.

Yet this one mother comes every morning with her ten-month-old crawling infant comes to the larger structures and will finger walk her baby all over it. Which, when it’s not busy is fine. The baby seems to enjoy climbing and she has her at all times. But when it’s crowded with kids? She’s constantly telling kids to stop running and watch out for her baby when they’re up there. She’ll block half the structure so her infant can sit and play with the bars. Yesterday a group of kids were playing tag and about three 7/8-year-olds whizzed past her baby. She yelled at them to be careful and stop running in a very harsh tone. One of the kids moms yelled back something along the lines of, this is a playground, kids are going to run. She argued that the park was for everyone and the older kids should be considerate of the your ones. Other mom said this equipment was made for older kids and it wasn’t fair to expect the older kids to not play because she’s taking her infant up there. Infants moms said there wasn’t a sign stating it was for older kids older, so basically everyone was going to have to deal.

No, it’s not explicit, but obviously this is meant for children who are older. I agree with the other mom. It’s not fair to expect the other kids to change their play to avoid baby. It feels entitled.

I usually just have my kids play on the other large structure when she comes with her infant, but she’ll go back and forth often. I of course, want my kids to be mindful of smaller children but they should be able to play tag and run!

In two years her kid will be pulling up plants and putting them in a sandbox. I agree with you but if she continues to do this then one of the older kids will knock her child down. I hope she won't be badly injured but her mother is a fool. I would not instruct my child to not play and run. She's just another jerk parent.