As the mother of 4 children (3 of whom are ages 4 and under!), I’ve frequented my fair share of playgrounds, parks, zoos, museums and the like. Have you ever noticed that not everyone seems to know The Rules?
Since it’s Mom Tip Tuesday, over at Parenting by Dummies, I thought this was the perfect opportunity for a refresher course. These are simple and straightforward, but important to file away in your mommy brain.
1.Watch your children
Seems like a easy rule to follow, right? Make sure you keep up with the children for whom you are responsible. You never know what they may be getting into while your back is turned.
Case in point:
Notice I’m in the background, talking, while my children are chasing ducks.
Poor Adam couldn’t even walk yet, but he was wandering off.
And Rachel started climbing trees.
2. Appropriate Attire is Key
Did you ever wake up and think, “I believe I’ll wear a maxi dress while out today, even though we’re going to the park?’
No kidding — I saw a woman wearing a maxi dress at the park, while pushing her toddler in a swing. After he was finished, he goes off to play. He climbed a little too high on the playground equipment, and she had to chase after him, while holding up her dress to keep from tripping on it. This ranks right up with wearing your tennis whites to the park — but at least you’d be able to run.
3.Can the Cell Phone!
Seriously, I’m beginning to hate cell phones. I’m tormented by people chattering away on their phones while in the Emergency Room, then I get to watch mothers/fathers/nannies with their phones glued to their ears while their children clamor for attention. Honestly. Leave the phone in the car — it’s only a half hour.
4. Be Prepared to Share
One of my girlfriends is wonderfully prepared when we go to the park — loads of toys, blankets, etc. (I’m trying my best to emulate you, Chinelle!) She is incredibly gracious about letting all the children use her stuff. I TRY to teach my children that if you bring a toy, you have to share it. This lesson resulted in screaming meltdown from Rachel today. I think I need some reinforcement.
5.Please, Feed the Animals!
I was at the park the other day, meeting Brett for lunch with the Kennedy Kaboodle. No sooner than I had opened my McAllister’s Club, a little girl appeared at my side. Mom did not read Rule #1, apparently. She asked me, “What is that?”
I answered, “This is my lunch.” She replied, “I want some!” I told her to tell her mother she was hungry. (I can’t make this stuff up!)
Don’t forget drinks and snacks for your wild ones — for those of us with large families, this may require a cooler! Thanks to all of my friends who have fed my moochers over the years!
Stop by Parenting By Dummies to share your Mom Tip, and to learn from others.
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I found your blog through the SITS monthly challenge and I’m having a blast making my way through your posts! Thanks for sharing!
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