Some "pool moms" drive me crazy!

Snow1010

We have a community pool that we go to several times a week.  I totally understand that the kid's section is crowded and hectic....I'm fine getting hit with a ball, splashed, accidentally kicked.

What drives me absolutely crazy are the parents that lay on a chair and pay no attention to their kids.  Sure, your kid is old enough to swim in the kids section by himself....but do you realize he's being a total jerk to all the other kids?

Or even worse...the other night there was a kid around 6-7 years old that would not leave us alone. He took DD's toys, teased her with them, calling her a baby.  Then he jumped off the side of the pool and was going to land right on DD's head if I didn't quickly move her. This went on for over an hour.  I politely said something to him several times and he laughed. 

His Mom was literally 5 feet away on a chair looking into the pool so she saw everything that was going on and did nothing!  

I'm so mad at myself for not saying anything to the Mom.  Then again, I've seen those situations escalate and turn into an argument, which I didn't really want either.  

I know I'm going to be dealing with these types of parents for a long time...but it just blows my mind how some parents can ignore bad behavior.    

KatFCo

Was there a lifeguard around or someone who manages the pool? That's a really long time for a child to be deliberately tormenting a younger child.

Snow1010

There is a lifeguard.  But, if you weren't within a couple feet of the situation it could have been perceived as 2 kids playing.  Surprisingly my almost 2 year old DD didn't lose her sh*t over the situation so there was no crying or tantrums.

LatteLady5

Snow1010:

There is a lifeguard.  But, if you weren't within a couple feet of the situation it could have been perceived as 2 kids playing.  Surprisingly my almost 2 year old DD didn't lose her sh*t over the situation so there was no crying or tantrums.

Yeah, I would have said something to the mom or the lifeguard or been a little firmer and less polite to the kid. 

beth2882

LatteLady5:

Snow1010:

There is a lifeguard.  But, if you weren't within a couple feet of the situation it could have been perceived as 2 kids playing.  Surprisingly my almost 2 year old DD didn't lose her sh*t over the situation so there was no crying or tantrums.

Yeah, I would have said something to the mom or the lifeguard or been a little firmer and less polite to the kid. 

Me too.  But, I'm a teacher and am used to calling kids out on their behavior.   

christinak22

I totally "mother" other people's kids when they need it!

brparish

This kind of thing drives me crazy as well.  Even if there is a lifegaurd on duty...it's not their job to parent someone's child.  The pool is not their personal daycare.  They need to worry a little less about their tans and get their butts out of their chair and watch their kids. 

DawnLilly

I'm the nutso mom that would have quietly told the boy that he was the one who looked like a "baby" wanting to play with a 2 year old and her baby toys. I bet he would have found someone else to bug.

KELLILOVESJOSH

I'm probably an insanely overprotective mom who cares too much what people think but I would be horrified if my kid did that, she's 7 and knows better as any child that age should . But it never fails there are parents that just don't care and that makes kids who don't care. We have stopped inviting people over as much because no on watches the kids, my DD's barbie clothes were cut up, her karate equipment got dumped in the lake, fishing poles broken and someone decided to duct tape her lamp...seriously?? The parents just sit back and have a good time while I cook and clean up the mess the kids make..ug so frustrating...my poor DD has actually pleaded with me to not invite certain people over...or asked if they could not be allowed In her room.

quietlyexpecting

Just wait...(I teach middle school and have seen alot of different kind of parenting) and this parent has no idea what kind of behavior is knocking on her doorstep and soon to be aimed right back at her.  Good for you for keeping your cool...don't think I would have been so nice.  

SunAndRain

I'm sorry but I think you need to be a little more assertive.  You pretty much let a child walk all over you.

It sounds like you, but not your DD, was upset.  Maybe she is tough enough to handle a bit of rougher play - good for her!

 

Tallulahsmom

We have a private lake in our subdivision. I have the same problems with parents. One women left her daughter with us while she went and drank a beer and talked on the phone! Once I realized what was going on I asked the little girl which one her mom was and politely walked her to the mother and told her that I would not be responsible for her child. I made sure not to say it directly in front of the little girl so as not to upset her. I had never met her and she just left her kid with us without a word. Just walked off! I love having kids my daughters age for her to play with. But if their moms are not in the water with them we steer clear.