October 22, 2009

Playground Dos and Donts

I like to do what I can to help parents out in the game of, well...parenting. I have learned that carrying and birthing the children is the easy part and it is all the stuff that comes after that is extremely difficult.

I have also learned from experience that taking children for an afternoon at the local park isn't all flowers and smiles.

That is why I haven't done it in a long time. But that's a story for another day.

Today I will give you Mommas list of Playground Dos and Don'ts. You can thank me later with some chocolate...or....a new pair of shoes. It doesn't take much to make me happy.

Anyways, when preparing to go to the park, pack a small bag with diapers and wipes because as soon as you step foot on the playground, your little one will release his/her bowels. Guaranteed.

Make sure you pack snacks and drinks also because as soon as you get there they will be hungry. Feel free to pack yourself a bottle of rum and Coke. Just because you will need it.

It is always a good idea to bring sand toys. Tonka toys always made my boys happy....for about 5 minutes. And then they would walk over to the nice little boy playing with his own little tractors and Hot Wheels and swipe them out of his hands.

Bring along your "calm, perfect Mommy face" because you will need it when your children misbehave by stealing other children's toys and hitting them with them. Remember these words. "Taking other kids toys is not allowed. Oh, look at that bird over there". As your child looks, take the toy that he/she stole and give it back. Then keep finding ways to distract your children as you walk away from the nice little boy/girl with the black eye.

You're welcome. I do what I can to help.

Play with your children. They like it when Mommy chases them around acting like the Playground Monster. They like it even more when you catch them and tickle them.

Socialize with other parents. You never know. You may just meet a life long friend...for you and your children.

Never, ever go barefoot at the park. You and your children. Ewwwwww. Gross. Disgusting. Gag. Puke. I have never, ever let my children roam around in a huge kitty litter box barefoot. Ok, maybe I did a few times. But I never did it.


Always wear a bra because people will talk and kids will ask many questions. And the friends you hoped to meet on your outing to the playground will never come over to say hi. Unless they are slimy Dads.

Do not spend your time chatting or texting on your cell phone or reading an interesting novel. Firstly, because you will be interrupted a gazillion times by children wanting you to watch them go down the slide for the thousandth time. Secondly, because you may get caught up in it all and not realize your children have been kidnapped.


Do not discipline other parents children no matter how much you want to spank their bare ass. They are not your children. Parent your own kids.....drink your Mommy juice and go to another area of the park to get away from the "bad ones". Remember to always keep the "calm, perfect Mommy" face even when you want to yell, scream and throw a tantrum.


And last but certainly not least, have fun, because your children will thank you for it years down the road and you will miss the moments. Honest.



*All pictures courtesy of Yahoo Images*





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14 comments:

Jessica Jones, ATL Mom of 3 said...

No shoes is gross however my kids have gone barefoot before...i pick my battles lol
www.atlmomguide.com

koreen (aka: winn) said...

Love love love the mommy juice idea. I don't know why I've never thought of it. Oh wait, I have. ;) (Just don't want to admit to it and cause a ruckus. Thanks for taking that stress off me.)

I hate playgrounds. Enough said.

Kimi said...

I'm not a fan of playgrounds either. In fact if there are a lot of kids already at our usual playground I will drive across town to the other in hopes of fewer people. I'm anti-social like that, lol

Heatherlyn said...

Your posts are always so entertaining. I spend all my time at the park counting "1,2,3,4,5" and that's my kids. They don't all roam in a group. So I'm counted them every 5 minutes making sure I know where they are. Not very much fun for me. But they seem to have a very good time so its worth it. You are right, these days don't last!

Allison said...

you speak the truth I tell ya!
Great post - funny. I'm with you - trips with all 3 are few and far between.

Kiki said...

great post and pictures. thanks for sharing your playground do's and don'ts. i agree with everything. i am a big believer in the "distraction" method. works like a charm for my kiddo. take care.

CynthiaK said...

LOL! That was great. And every last bit is true!

Barefoot...{shudder}

I always had this dream of being able to sit at the park reading a short work of fiction while the kids played wonderfully nearby. It's still a dream...

Unknown said...

Why haven't I thought of the rum and coke? You always have the good ideas... ;-P

Foursons said...

What?! We can't spank the other kids? Crap.

Anonymous said...

Hahaha @ the mommy juice. My son is too young to have the playground battles yet, but I will definitely keep your tips in mind b/c you speak truth!

Anonymous said...

I seriously hate all the parks in our small town. I only take my kids to the park 2 or 3 times a year. Im terrbile!

Jenners said...

Excellent excellent advice ... practical yet funny as well. Totally agree with everything you said!

Erin said...

MOMMY JUICE!!!! hahahaha the is so perfect! But I've found if you use vodka people don't smell it as much! haha

KatBouska said...

Bras and shoes are always good...anywhere you go...big fan of both items actually. :)