He's such a mommy

I took the boys to the playground the other day and there was a boy their age who was climbing things I don't let the boys climb because it isn't playground equipment (like the water fountain which is over a cement sidewalk). Trevor started scolding this kid telling him that he shouldn't climb that, it's not a toy, and he's going to fall and bonk on the hard ground. I had to pull him aside and tell him that he's not that boy's mommy and he needs to let her do her job. She was right there but it wasn't until after Trevor's lecture that she decided to stop the kid.

Anyway, I find that I'm getting a lot of "Why does HE get to do that?!" and "But the sign says..." I didn't think I was strict but I'm finding that other parents let their kids do things I'd never dream of. I have no trouble with "I'm not his mommy, I'm YOUR mommy and you have to do what I tell you." But, I'm struggling a bit with explaining why some kids are allowed to break the written rules posted at the playground. I don't want them telling women they're not doing their job and "worry about yourself, not him" only goes so far because I do want them to speak up when a child is doing something dangerous. They're doing a decent job with not following but maybe a little too well with speaking up. :laughing:

 

Ha! That's too funny! Awkward too, though. I think you handled it really well.

I sometimes feel like I'm more strict with that kind of stuff than other parents. I wonder if it's a twin thing. I mean, if you only have one, it's much easier to be there to save them every time. With two, you KNOW you can't always be there, so you have to work harder to teach them how to stay out of dangerous situations.

 

You said it well Holly! I think it is a twin thing to an extent. Little things can turn into complete chaos in a matter of seconds when you are outnumbered.

 

What a good influence he will be on other kids!! You should be proud. BTW, I am loving your avi!!

 

Bea especially gets concerned if she sees another kid doing something that's "not safe". I haven't come up with a good explanation yet either as to why other kids are doing things that I say they aren't supposed to do. I've just said "Well, their mommy lets them do other things." or something to that effect.

 

I love your boys, Debi. They are always doing such amazing things. I think it speaks highly of you, and while it might be an awkward stage right now, in time he will learn to understand the nuances of situations like this and know when to speak up or not. Sometimes, I think other parents might need a friendly reminder (even if from someone else's kid) to pay attention to what could become a dangerous situation. I also agree that it might be a twin parents thing - I know for a fact that I would give my kids more freedom if there were only one.