Playgroup/playground etiquette Post Reply

[Casper]

Hi all,

My daughter is 16 months old and so I feel I am quite new to the unwritten rules (if any) at various playgroups and playgrounds in the area. What do you do if you child gets hurt by another child ( not accidentally). By way of an example, my daughter was pushed over ( down a ramp and into a brick wall) at a playgroup by a boy who was perhaps 3.5 yrs or so. Luckily I saw what happened - it appeared my daughter was perhaps walking too slowly up the ramp for this little boy who pushed passed her and then gave her the shove! Whilst I am fully aware that accidents very much can be expected in the playground, what course of action would you take ( other than scooping up your screaming child!). As it happened the mother rushed to attend her child and when I mentioned to her that her little boy pushed my daughter I got nothing more than an 'oh' and that was it.

Also, whilst my daughter is small now, there is every likelihood that she could be the one doing the shoving in a couple of years time so I would be interested to hear how parents deal with the situation with another parent.

Many thanks

[BalhamMumWorkingFT]

Very tricky. If my child was older (like 3-4) I'd get them to apologize with a quick sorry and also apologize to the Mum. However, under 3, it is harder to get kids to apologize and they really don't know what the real meaning is although it depends on each child. My son didn't really have verbal skills until closer to 3 so there were lots of shoves and hits (thank god no bites... Although that I'd really common) So I would apologize on behalf of my child, have a word with them immediately and remove them from the situation.

Kids do get it by 3-4 because they start to understand relationships and friendship. Until then, I think the best way forward is to remain patient and take the high road. Because the tables can turn quite quickly...