How do you deal with big kids at the park?

[Ozziehoffy]

I have actually told 2 kids off , told them very sternly not to push. No one else was doing anything about it and yes Oskar was crying from it. I don't know if I had the right to or not but in my mind I did as they had hurt my child and they need to know it's not acceptable behaviour. I really get rather cranky about having to watch other peoples kids in those play areas to make sure they're not attacking/hurting/pushing or whatever else to Oskar. I've actually witnessed several mothers LEAVE their kids unattended and gone off to shop....UMMM HELLO!!! Not only might their child get hurt but may hurt another child. SHAME SHAME SHAME!! The other unfortunate part I see in it is our kids can and do learn from what others do to them!

[Lulu]

I tell everyones kids off basically, but I do it a certain way.

Some kids seem to make a bee line for little ones to push over and I am more than happy to kneel down, put my hand on their shoulder or arm (no I DON'T care about touching other peoples children!) and say firmly - don't push her over, its not nice and look them in the eye until they break contact.
THEN I say, hey lets all go on the slide, and get them all having turns nicely and it seems to work every time.

[Willow]

Usually if it's minor I let it go, but if it's intentional and repetitive or especially violent I say something. I usually do same thing, get down and make direct eye contact and say firmly in my best 'mummy' voice something like "you need to be gentle" or "we don't push little babies" etc. Seems to work OK. Giving them the eye seems to do the trick, especially if they are 4, 5 etc. They know they're doing the wrong thing and you've busted them.

[rhyb]

I would of said something. Your DS has every right to be there and enjoy himself without other kids hurting him. Hope he's ok now.

[boomba]

Thanks girls. I definately dont blame mum at all. But its not hard to say a quick sorry iykwim.

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