the Splash Pool

Splash pools are probably the best thing to have ever existed! This one we found last week was just perfect for Alice to splash about in and cool down.

It also through up another problem that I am having right now. Namely, other people's children. Yes, I know, it's a really touchy subject with parents, but I am sure nearly all of us have the same feelings, right? Now I know that Alice is not perfect. She snatches other children's balls, runs off with their scooters and sometimes ever gives a small smack. But I like to think I am the kind of parent who does not put up with that behaviour and wont sit back and let her get away with it. I apologise to the parents out of politeness and then continue to tell Alice what she did was wrong and, even though she may not understand now, tell her it's not nice to hit/snatch things and to say sorry. I will always do this and it is my understanding that Alice will learn to be a kind and thoughtful friend to others.

However, what do you do when another child hits or pushes your child and their parents do nothing about it? This happened at the pool, and I just didn't know what to do. Telling off another parents child seemed a little wrong to me? I mean, what if they started crying or I was accused of something? But do I just sit back and do nothing while Alice cries?

While shopping the other week, Alice was sleeping in her buggy and a little girl came over to see her. She bent down and pointed to Alice, saying "baby." I smiled back and said, "Yes, baby is sleeping", to which the little girl started to shake Alice to try to wake her up. I told the little girl not to because Alice would be upset and looked for her mother. Her mother was looking at something a little way away and glanced at what was happening, but didn't respond. At all. When the little girl went to shake Alice again, I had had enough. I took the little girls hand and moved it away from the buggy, very gently, but in a clear attempt to stop her. It was then that I realised what a dangerous move that could have been. What if that little girl had burst into tears and told her mum I had hurt her, or hit her. And I wouldn't have put it past her.

I have to say, this is one of the hardest things I am dealing with as Alice becomes more social with other children. I understand that children hit and pinch and even bite others, and that's ok! But when these things happen and parents sit back and do nothing... I mean! Come on! What am I supposed to do?!

xx