As the mum of an outdoor loving boy i have spent many hours in parks and playgrounds over the last six years. I’ve come to notice that some adults with kids in parks seem to act in certain stereotypical ways.
Here are (and this is completely light hearted, my judgy pants are FIRMLY off) some of the people i’ve witnessed in the park:
The Fusser – the child they are with has zero fun as they are stopped from doing anything vaguely dangerous or challenging. These adults hover over their child and act as if they are sorry they stepped into the park as soon as they arrive. They don’t want their child getting wet or mucky. They don’t like their child to ‘free style’ play at all because they want to risk assess each and every detail. They can be found saying “watch that puddle” and scowling at older kids who are undermining their stict need for control over everything.
The Chill – strolls into the park with a coffee cup and is happy to sit and watch their children play. Their children play nicely and wait their turn. They don’t interject or direct any fun, they just drink their coffee and enjoy seeing their children have fun. They have snacks and drinks on tap and are on hand to rub any bumped heads or scraped knees.
The Dictator – bursts into the play area and directs the order in which things should be played with, how they should be played with and for how long. They bark orders at their children as if they are on a strict training program. They follow their child around the park taking lots of posed pictures along the way. They seem to want play time to be constructive and efficient.
The Eyes Down – keep their eyes on their phone at all times. They dont know where their child is and they don’t look up to check either. They hope that the child wailing doesnt belong to them. Their child can be seen climbing UP the slide or roughly pushing past younger children on the stairs up to the slide.
Have you met any of these people at the park? Which one are you?