Reply to Am I too strict about playground kid mask rule?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]This is too strict for me (my kid always wears a mask but we encounter kids without masks all the time and it doesn't bother me unless they are getting up in my kid's face).

However, the really problem is the approach. It's too confusing and stressful for your kid, who never knows if he's going to get to play at the playground. And while I have zero problems with the donut treat, it's not a great substitute for playing at the playground. Give your kid a donut if you want to, but if the goal of the afternoon is playing outdoors, you should find a way to play outdoors.

I think you need to figure out which playgrounds near you are less crowded at what times of day and frequent those at those times. Or figure out the playgrounds that seem to have the best mask compliance.

I take my DD to a small playground that is rarely busy a lot, partly because of Covid but also partly because she just doesn't love really crowded playgrounds (nor do I) and it's easier on everyone to go somewhere that she's not going to have to compete with 20 kids for a ride on the slide. So I just started gravitating to that playground over time because we were comfortable there and kept having good experiences. Every now and again we'll go there and it will be more crowded, and this usually means we don't stay quite as long.

But I think constantly bailing on playground plans because of the crowd is too much. Kids your son's age need some routine and they are learning how trust works. They need a sense of security and to feel like they know what's coming. You're teaching him that his ability to play and be outside is entirely dependent on the choices of strangers and can change day to day. That's the kind of lesson kids in war zones learn and it has longterm negative impacts on them. Your kid doesn't live in a war zone. If you wear masks, stay outside, and choose to leave if there is behavior that concerns you, you're fine. And your kid still gets to play.[/quote]

+1  I am with you PP.  My kid wears a mask but I don't really care if other kids wear one unless they are blowing on my DCs face.

OP--You need to do your homework and prep your child for all of the outcomes.  Kids need to know what to expect.  "If kids aren't wearing masks we will go _______________ (not Dunkin Donuts)."  There are so many neighborhood playgrounds and nature trails in this area.  If you want to avoid other people you can.  Find your one place that is never crowded and that is your plan B.  There are so many hiking trails and outdoor areas where your DC can wander without seeing another person.  We frequent the more popular locations like Potomac Overlook and can manage to avoid people on the busiest days.  [/quote]

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