Parenting

Dealing with playground politics

The playground is supposed to be a fun place for the kids. But what do you do when your child is being bullied by another kid or you have a run-in with a parent?
Children playing on swings

The playground is supposed to be a fun place for the kids. But what do you do when your child is being bullied by another kid or you have a run-in with a parent?

Elaine Stack from children’s boutique Nell & Oll posted a story to her Facebook page yesterday and asked the question: What would you do?

The response was incredible. So we’re asking does playground politics really exist?

Here is what Elaine posted: “I was just at the park and the police arrived. Seemingly a mother was pushing her little girl on a swing when a father approached and said he was also waiting for the swing. The mother replied that they would be another five minutes or so. The father proceeded to stop the swing in motion and tried to lift the daughter out! The mother was very upset & called the police. Another parent in the park thought this was a little over board. What would you do?!? Would you call the police?”

Sarah Tucker, the author of a fictional novel The Playground Mafia said: “Tackling playground politics is a step closer to making sure the time in the playground is something new mothers can enjoy and look forward to, rather than dread and navigate around. I believe children bully because they witness the grownups doing the same – lead by example is always the best policy.”

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