Community› The Bump Message Boards› Toddlers: 24 Months+
Toddlers: 24 Months+
New Discussion

Toddler Playground etiquette

srw1984srw1984 member
in Toddlers: 24 Months+
I know that I cannot fight all of my son's battles for him, but it makes me crazy when other kids are mean to my kid!! He's not in daycare and is probably missing out on some key social skills by being adored by friends and family 24/7... but whatever happened to kids playing together?! Every family we run into has multiple kids, so the siblings gang up on my little guy when he just wants a friend. How can I make the park fun for him when we have that happen? Any ideas?
Report Reply to Post

Re: Toddler Playground etiquette

  • KaLikeAWindKaLikeAWind member
    Either engage the parent of the other kids or 'help' the other kids play with your kid. I'm a SAHM too, with a 2 year old. All the kids we see at the park are older than him. Luckily most of the kids here seem to be chill (so far), but I know the types of kids you mean - there are a couple that form a small pack in one of his playgroups. 

    If it's the same kids you keep seeing I would definitely engage the parent with them. For the kids in my son's playgroup the parents have all agreed to a loose set of rules and can call out each other's kids if needed. Forming an alliance with the other parent could help.

    I'm also not adverse to telling other kids (nicely) "hey guys, he's little so he doesn't understand you / the rules / to wait a turn / sharing / etc. If you need me to help him, let me know. But pushing / hitting / whatever behavior isn't nice and doesn't help him understand and play with you better." Say it loud enough their adult hears. So what if they give you side eye. They will at that point either have to have your back and tell their kids to chill, or say nothing / not pay attention, in which case you know there is no help to be found there so if whatever behavior happens again you know you and your kid are on your own and it might be time to go on the swings
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    Report Reply
Sign In or Register to comment.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"