Anonymous wrote:Excellent teachable moment!

I've used similar situations to explain politics to my young kids. More specifically: the difference between Democrats and Republicans. The last time it happened, I took it a step further by explaining how republicans not only refuse to share, but also have a propensity towards throwing sand aimlessly without considering the impact of those around them. I'm totally serious. Most folks around me laughed, and one father actually applauded and ask me who I worked for.

Again, use these moments to educate your child (and those around you).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"my toddler tried to engage with your 4/5 year old daughter"

What does "tried to engage with" even mean? Because if your toddler tried to take toys from my kid, and my kid scooped up the toys and yelled "no," I would absolutely not be disciplining my kid. And if your kid then hit my kid, I surely would expect you to step in.

Completely agree.

Seriously, what does tried to engage with mean?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"my toddler tried to engage with your 4/5 year old daughter"

What does "tried to engage with" even mean? Because if your toddler tried to take toys from my kid, and my kid scooped up the toys and yelled "no," I would absolutely not be disciplining my kid. And if your kid then hit my kid, I surely would expect you to step in.

Completely agree.

Anonymous wrote:"my toddler tried to engage with your 4/5 year old daughter"

What does "tried to engage with" even mean? Because if your toddler tried to take toys from my kid, and my kid scooped up the toys and yelled "no," I would absolutely not be disciplining my kid. And if your kid then hit my kid, I surely would expect you to step in.

Anonymous wrote:Where are these playgrounds that have community toys?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How do you know the 4/5 year old is not autistic or has some other impairment? Perhaps the father should explain that to you rather than let it go on, but it could explain why he didn't do what you expect (and sound like you expect major kudos for btw).

Tired excuse. "Special needs made me do it."

Anonymous wrote:How do you know the 4/5 year old is not autistic or has some other impairment? Perhaps the father should explain that to you rather than let it go on, but it could explain why he didn't do what you expect (and sound like you expect major kudos for btw).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, you agree that battling over toys is normal and generally not to be interfered with. Obviously you think hitting is not okay, and most of us agree. Yelling is not as clear-cut, and perhaps that father was picking his battles with his child as well.

You sound like you don't get to the playground very often if this was a Dear Diary moment for you.

OP here. Actually, I don't bring my toddler to the playground very often. So what you're saying is that these things happen all the time and therefore, does not warrant parental intervention? Interesting. I will remember that going forward.

I'm the pp who has a 3yo and 5yo. When I was a mother of only one toddler, I took things very personally at the playground. It used to break my heart if my toddler wanted to play with a toy and the older child wouldn't share. My child has been shoved, had sand thrown in his eyes, not played with, etc. at the playground and I was appalled at how much parents did not intervene.

Now I have 2 kids ages 3 and 5. They go to preschool. My kids have been bitten, shoved, not invited, been called names, etc. It happens. My kids are well adjusted kids. This is just a part of growing up.

You are the one who seems like you can't get over a 4yo yelling at your child. I have witnessed a lot worse parenting than a dad not intervening in a playground squabble.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't let people shout at my kids. I would have said something to the 4 year old, like 'Hey, that's not nice! No shouting!" or "That's not okay!" then dealt with my own kid if the other parent just sat there. My kids know I have their backs. I do believe kids should learn to work things out, but they learn by taking the reins from their parents. If no on teaches them what it means to stick up for them, they can't do it themselves either.

Her KID hit the 4 year old after trying to take the toys. A 4 year old yelling NO is appropriate.