The social experiment

Ok...if you have ever been to a play area at any dining establishment, bouncy jumpin' monkey place or local mall playground then you have participated in what I have deemed the social experiment. And if you have been to any of the above with me then we have talked about this before. 

Attentive parents are trying to let their children run off some steam or just have a good time but there are those times when the random child or group of children are running wild and a choice has to be made...say something or don't.

Now there are several degrees of "correction" that can be made based on age of child and level of wild:

• You can try "the look". You know what I'm talking about...the one your mother gave you when you were doing something you knew you shouldn't.
• Maybe you use the ultra sweet voice. That syrupy suggestion to not hang from the rafters is somehow rather compelling to children that aren't yours. 
• If those don't work then a little more authoritative voice may be needed.

The problem with any of these is you never know what the reaction will be from the parent. I usually don't really step in unless I feel that the said child or children are about to get hurt or they are going to hurt my son. I do, however, find myself judging the parenting skills of others. I'm not saying I always get it right but some people don't seem to try. I do struggle with this! I am trying not to but I think it's the "mama bear" in me trying to protect my cub. This is not just a parent instinct; I've done this with my friend's kids even before I had Carson. As Carson gets older I try to let him handle situations by himself while keeping an eye on him. Some kids are bossy, like Carson, and some are just bullies. 

Now, it's not all horrible or we wouldn't go. Most of the time Carson finds an instant friend and they play very well together. 

These situations are a great opportunity to learn how to interact with others. And the kids can play too!