Thursday, May 01, 2008
Playground Politics
D: Recently the Deuce and I visited one of our favorite playgrounds in our neighborhood. Upon arrival we all ran for the two bucket swings, but unfortunately there was only one swing available. O quickly became incredibly antsy (whiny) for his turn on his favorite ride in the park while F seemed content to sit by my feet patiently waiting his turn (eating wood chips). As usual in Twin Town, the squeaky wheel gets the grease, and O was soon soaring through the air with delight.
It was not long however that I knew F would grow bored with his wooden feast by my feet and feel the need to wonder. The parent/child occupying the other swing to our left was surely to be done soon, right?
Just then another family came up behind us and voiced their intent to want to swing... "It's OK Johnny. Someone will get off the swing soon so you can have your turn."
The swinging parent to our left got the hint and quickly took her daughter out of the swinging bucket. I then turned to pick up F and plop him onto the swing. Just as I was beginning to see sheer joy in F's face the parent rudely starts to yell "Hey, it's our turn!"
Ah, um, excuse me?!
"First", I thought to myself, "until they make bucket seat swings made just for twins where they can both ride on it at the same time, they will have to wait their turns just like everyone else.
Second, just because I bring two children to the park does not mean that we have to decide that only ONE of them gets a turn on the swing.
And finally (Mr. Big Meany Parent who's Teaching Rude Behavior to His Child), I didn't read any rules at the park that said that not more than one swing can be operated by one parent at one time, even if there are two different children on them. "
No sir, my little F-Man has waited his turn and now he will get his swing on.
Of course, I didn't say any of this out loud. I just gave him my passive aggressive stink-eye and tried to focus on my children's gleeful squeals as they soar up and down.
We also may have stayed on the swings a bit longer than we usually would have. :)
Read or Post a Comment
Glad the boys had fun swinging...and I am glad you stood your ground...being a mom is hard work! Even on the playground!
Oh that drives me insane. Well done standing your ground. So glad the boys enjoyed their swing.