Toddler antics in playgroup/play date settings - What should I expect from parents??

[Erin_25]

I think sometimes the problem is the parents whom don't seem to watch their children. I go along to playgroup with my children to do something with them....not for a break and a coffee and chat whilst I let my child run wild IYKWIM. I am constantly amazed at the amount of parents who don't get involved with their child and what they are doing, you don't need to shadow them but you can come up and see what they are doing and be acitvly involved.

Most of the time if the situation isn't too much of a problem and the other parent has not stepped in I take my child way "come on Charlie, let's play over there" ..... or "that's ok, we will get the puzzles out...do you want to help me?" I try this instead of telling anyone off. I don't see one child taking another child's toy as naughty - sharing is a concept they don't actually fully understand til age 3. So that's a situation I would just take my childs focus away if the other parent is not there to step in. Taking a toy back from a child that doesn't understand is going to cause more drama.

As for things like throwing rocks, or sand etc I tell them gently to please stop in the hope the parent will hear and step in. Again I take my child away if the other child does not stop or gives me attitude. I can only ask them to stop, and explain why it is not my place to disicpline anyone else child and I myself would be very annoyed if someone tried to discipline mine.

It's good to remember we all see it from a different point of view and the most we can do is take care of our own.

[Ca Plane Pour Moi]

I have no qualms whatsoever in chatting to other children who are "playing" with my DS. I will quite happily provide some boundaries if things are unpleasant - for all parties. I also don't care if I get glared at by people I don't know.

I also don't mind other parents talking to my DS, as long as it is done respectfully. Everyone has different comfort zones and I want to teach my son it's OK to stand up for his comfort zone, even if no-one else worries about it. Just as I want him to respect other people's comfort zones even when they don't match his. So long as no-one gets hurt or upset, respecting each others' wishes is a great thing.