Playgrounds Are Dangerous

Playgrounds are a dangerous place. Kids could get hurt by falling off equipment or getting their hair caught in the chains of the swings. They are also dangerous because I am there. You see my tract record with playgrounds isn't that good. When Drama King was 3 I accidentally flung him off a tire swing. He told me he wanted to go faster I just forgot to check if he was holding on. He did look like Superman flying across the wood chip covered ground. I also spun a friends kid so fast on a tire swing they puked.

So now you are getting the picture the danger lies more with me than with the equipment. The list could go on. We have a first aid kit in the back of the van just for playground outings. Sad, I know. Well the saga continues with the most recent episode. I was out with the boys on a sunny not so cold day recently. Some other mothers had brought their little ones out. I mean little. They had to be between 1 & 3 only. This particular park had a great playground for the bigger kids and beside it was equipment for younger ones. Our family rule is when others are there you stick to the older section and watch out for little ones. Then the age old rule don't go up the slides applies too. Basically the boys are good at following these and being careful of others but hey also rip around playing tag or just exploring. Well these moms were letting the little guys climb all over the older section. I was quite surprised since some of the things were really high. They just plopped them up there and said "Oh look how cute you are." Then the kid would start crying for the fear of falling to it's death.

I tried to sit down a little and watch. The boys like to climb. No biggy. They climb on the outside of the tunnels but never get in kids way or become rude. I was getting the evil eye from the other moms. Finally one of the mothers stepped in front of the boys to stop them. She then began to yell at them for playing too rough on a playground. I might be quiet in most situations but you get in between my kids and I and my New Jersey side pops out. I walked over to them trying to keep my cool. After she finished her dissertation I commented "You have a problem with my kids!" The woman was clearly taken back and responded with "Excuse me." So I answered again. She then told me her issues and tried to defend her position. Well it officially became WWF Smack Down Mom Style. No punches were thrown but I let her have a piece of my mind. I politely but strongly told her what I thought. So now I feel awful. Did I step the line or did I do the right thing? I didn't curse or yell just told her my three point list of why she better back off. Then she and her little entourage left 5 minutes later. No threats but just not backing down. I know many of you still have little ones and I thought of that later. I remember those days but honestly I stuck to the age appropriate playgrounds. So here's the deal, you get to comment. Do you agree with my actions, wish I could have handled it better or will never invite me to the playground with you and your children.

I don't want to shame the Lord for my actions and I want to be an example of Christ so I really feel I blew it.