7-8 yr olds in the 5 and under playground (siblings)

[mom2aredhead]

Just curious, not trying to slam you at all, but why do things always have to be fair. My youngest goes to bed much earlier than my oldest and he cries about it, but gets over it. My DS17 can drink coke, but DS4 cant till he is older, that makes him mad. My DS17 does dangerous stunts on our half pipe in the backyard and it infuriates my DS4 that i dont let him on. Life isnt always fair, and thats ok. Your oldest will get to do things in WDW that your baby cant do, so why cant baby have her own playtime.

That's the point I was trying to make in MY earlier post. Speaking as the oldest of 3, it works both ways. I was not allowed to do certain things at certain ages because my younger siblings weren't old enough or tall enough and it wasn't "fair" for them to be left out. Conversely, I didn't think it was "fair" for me to have the same restrictions as them just because they were younger or smaller.
"FAIR" does not "SAME". People often confuse the 2.

 

[DaisyD]

What is the rule? If the sibling is too old then no, they can't play. I don't imagine the 7 y/o would be interested in it anyway. My DD was 7 last year and took one look at it and said it was for babies. Maybe your DH could take the 7 y/o and do something nice together while the little one is playing in the kiddie area.

 

[momto2girls]

Just curious, not trying to slam you at all, but why do things always have to be fair. My youngest goes to bed much earlier than my oldest and he cries about it, but gets over it. My DS17 can drink coke, but DS4 cant till he is older, that makes him mad. My DS17 does dangerous stunts on our half pipe in the backyard and it infuriates my DS4 that i dont let him on. Life isnt always fair, and thats ok. Your oldest will get to do things in WDW that your baby cant do, so why cant baby have her own playtime.

My girls are a lot closer in age than your two, so I can see how your situation is different. My two are 6.5 and 3.5 and have very similar interests at this point. I'm sure that will change later, but right now they do similar things and would be very disappointed if only one could do something and not the other.

When we are at WDW, we do everything together as a family. We only ride rides that we can all ride on. So, I just think it would be very unfair to have my 6 year old sit on a bench watching her sister play. It would just seem like a punishment since there isn't anything that her sister doesn't get to do but she does, kwim?

 

[ilovejack02]

My girls are a lot closer in age than your two, so I can see how your situation is different. My two are 6.5 and 3.5 and have very similar interests at this point. I'm sure that will change later, but right now they do similar things and would be very disappointed if only one could do something and not the other.

When we are at WDW, we do everything together as a family. We only ride rides that we can all ride on. So, I just think it would be very unfair to have my 6 year old sit on a bench watching her sister play. It would just seem like a punishment since there isn't anything that her sister doesn't get to do but she does, kwim?

Oh course my situation is different and yes if you all only do things that all 4 of can do than of it would be pretty mean if you made one sit out while other plays.

 

[Whosemom]

I guess if you don't let the 6yo do things the 3yo can't do, then you skip the playground as well because the 6yo can't do it. That's what's really fair.

What burns me up is my (then) tall preschooler not being allowed in playgrounds at the mall or whatever. ugh. Talk about not fair!!

 

[tink621]

I guess if you don't let the 6yo do things the 3yo can't do, then you skip the playground as well because the 6yo can't do it. That's what's really fair.


I COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER MYSELF.

 

[va32h]

My children are 11dd, 7ds, and 3dd. We are one of those weird families that splits up at the parks. Husband and older dd are thrill seekers, so they go off and do their wild rides while I take the younger two on the smaller rides. We meet up for things we all enjoy, like Buzz.

For things like play areas - I would just take the 3yo, and have my husband take the other two to get a snack or send the boys off on the train while my daughter and I sit together and chat.

For play areas in general, outside WDW, the 11yo would never want to play. If we were the only people there, I would let my son play. The situation seldom comes up though, because I usually go to the mall or out to lunch when the older ones are in school!

Age and size limites are there for safety reasons, so I respect that.

 

[marciemi]

Okay - I'm going quite a bit off topic here, but I figured based on the thread topic that you guys would know.

I don't even remember these playgrounds being discussed (last trip in 2005 was only 2 days so last real trip was in 2000 - nearly 7 years ago). And obviously my guys (now 11-14) were much younger then. I'm wondering if some of the other playgrounds they went into are off limits to them this time. Thinking primarily of Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground and Donald's boat. My kids are obviously much too old to run around in them with the little kids, but since we're going in late July, I was thinking these would be a quick place to run in and get cooled off in the water between attractions.

Are they allowed in these places or is there a height restriction? If not, would you have a problem with a teen coming in, getting wet, and leaving? Is there anywhere else to cool off (assuming I don't want to wait for somewhere like Kali)? Last 3 visits were in Dec or Jan so it was never a big issue and I preferred to keep them dry! Thanks!

 

[fan_of_small_world]

Want to know what's funny? In a couple years all these moms of "little ones" who don't want the big kids in because they "follow the rules" will have most likely have smaller children and they'll be the ones posting that their kids want to go in to play with their other child.

Sorry, but I'm one former "mom of little ones who don't want the big kids in" who DOESN'T allow DS to play where he is too old. Please don't assume we all change our tune once our children grow up. Many of us remember how we felt when they were little, and we respect posted rules.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Okay - I'm going quite a bit off topic here, but I figured based on the thread topic that you guys would know.

I don't even remember these playgrounds being discussed (last trip in 2005 was only 2 days so last real trip was in 2000 - nearly 7 years ago). And obviously my guys (now 11-14) were much younger then. I'm wondering if some of the other playgrounds they went into are off limits to them this time. Thinking primarily of Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground and Donald's boat. My kids are obviously much too old to run around in them with the little kids, but since we're going in late July, I was thinking these would be a quick place to run in and get cooled off in the water between attractions.

Are they allowed in these places or is there a height restriction? If not, would you have a problem with a teen coming in, getting wet, and leaving? Is there anywhere else to cool off (assuming I don't want to wait for somewhere like Kali)? Last 3 visits were in Dec or Jan so it was never a big issue and I preferred to keep them dry! Thanks!

I don't know if HISK play set has a height or age limit. It really is a place that people of all ages can appreciate, just to see and explore (unlike poohs spot and the small play area in toon town.) HISK playset is more involved challenging and interesting for kids of all ages then the tot only play areas.

Last trip my 5 year old still enjoyed Pooh's spot. I don't see her note enjoying it or being unsafe for any other child when we go again in a few months, but she will have just turned 6 years old.

 

[Sleeping~Beauty]

I have little ones, and it is such a relief to have a safe, designated spot for them. Overall, I don't think older kids should be playing in there. With little ones, a parent needs to be with them at all times. But when someone sends in a 9 yo to watch a sibling, the 9 yo often needs to be watched, too. They shouldn't be involved in a baby's playground.

When my DD was a baby she was very small (both of them really.) I used to allow my then 10 year old nice to follow her around in play areas and protect her.

This is what I think is dangerous for other little kids. I don't think a ten year old belongs there. I am with my kids the entire time, and I don't want a 10 year old "bodyguard" intimidating my babies. Whether it is meant that way or not, my kids are little also. If my baby accidentally bumps into another baby, another "older" child may not be able to distinguish something like this, and this is how things start.

I've seen older siblings taking things away from other little babies, so their sibling is protected. They may mean well, but they are then bossing other little kids. So little ones may fear the older child on the playground.

I'm not saying that big kids are bullies, or anything like that. I just think that older children are still young where they don't have some of the judgment (or perception) needed.

 

[TheDizMom]

Okay - I'm going quite a bit off topic here, but I figured based on the thread topic that you guys would know.

I don't even remember these playgrounds being discussed (last trip in 2005 was only 2 days so last real trip was in 2000 - nearly 7 years ago). And obviously my guys (now 11-14) were much younger then. I'm wondering if some of the other playgrounds they went into are off limits to them this time. Thinking primarily of Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground and Donald's boat. My kids are obviously much too old to run around in them with the little kids, but since we're going in late July, I was thinking these would be a quick place to run in and get cooled off in the water between attractions.

Are they allowed in these places or is there a height restriction? If not, would you have a problem with a teen coming in, getting wet, and leaving? Is there anywhere else to cool off (assuming I don't want to wait for somewhere like Kali)? Last 3 visits were in Dec or Jan so it was never a big issue and I preferred to keep them dry! Thanks!

There may be a posted age limit on the soft playgrounds but I don't remember one at Donalds boat or HISK. I personally see nothing wrong with them going in just for a quick cool down and then out again. That's different then going there to run around and play which at their age I doubt very highly they would want to do anyway. Heck at HISK I was doing it. I was so hot I needed to do something, come to think of it I think I was fighting a few grandparents for space.

 

[flying_babyb]

Not a mom, but a multiaged teacher. I would say it a) depends on the kids b) depends on how man other kids are there and c) depends on weither or not the child can play nice.
I believe alot of it depends on the big kid. I have thee younger kids who go places with me (7,6,2) The 7 year old is a wild child and not allowed in the baby area, but her 6 year old sister is since she plays sweetly with the little ones. She know if alot of little ones are there she cant play, just that simple.

 

[DisneyPhD]

This is what I think is dangerous for other little kids. I don't think a ten year old belongs there. I am with my kids the entire time, and I don't want a 10 year old "bodyguard" intimidating my babies. Whether it is meant that way or not, my kids are little also. If my baby accidentally bumps into another baby, another "older" child may not be able to distinguish something like this, and this is how things start.

I've seen older siblings taking things away from other little babies, so their sibling is protected. They may mean well, but they are then bossing other little kids. So little ones may fear the older child on the playground.

I'm not saying that big kids are bullies, or anything like that. I just think that older children are still young where they don't have some of the judgment (or perception) needed.

While I can envision a situation that might be like that be like that, that is NOT the case with I described. (even if I didn't give you all the info at that time.) My niece now 15 is 4 foot 11 inches. She had good judgment at that time and good impulse control. Heck sometimes better then me. I know I had the urge to "trip" some of the big kids running around and not looking where they are going. When hanging out in the play area with my kids she was doing just what a parent would do, protect and play with the smaller child others might not see. She will do the same thing now at water play areas and other places so I DH and I can get a break. Everyone should have a niece like mine.

Now my nephew who is 11 years old right now, I would never let do the same thing. (at any age so far.) He wouldn't understand that he was there for the younger kids. He wouldn't have good judgment. He gets caught up in his own world and ideas. He is bigger too and would not be looking out for younger kids.

I can see your point, but that does not mean it would be the case in all situations. (and wasn't in mine.)

 

[princesspwrhr]

Want to know what's funny? In a couple years all these moms of "little ones" who don't want the big kids in because they "follow the rules" will have most likely have smaller children and they'll be the ones posting that their kids want to go in to play with their other child.
Just something I see happen all the time.
Thought for once I'd point it out.
Weird I'm not usually snarky like this but this topic just sets me off.

I understand that this happens a LOT (people saying one thing when it works for them then changing their tune when it doesn't) - but there are many people who have posted on this thread who have widely spaced children who have stated that they don't allow their older children to play in these areas with their younger children, so the blanket 'all these moms' doesn't apply.

My 8 yo is not allowed to play on these playground with her 2 and 3 yo sisters unless we are the ONLY people there, which never happens at Disney and rarely, if ever happens anywhere else. But there's plenty of stuff she can do that they can't and if she wants to get whiney about the playground I have no problem reminding her what she can do that they can't.

When my 2 & 3 yos outgrow the playgrounds, they outgrow them. no discussion.

And if she can't go, I won't let my little one go either. It would make my older daughter too sad.

When we are at WDW, we do everything together as a family. We only ride rides that we can all ride on. So, I just think it would be very unfair to have my 6 year old sit on a bench watching her sister play.

It sounds like you've got it. Your older daughter is to big to play on the play areas - so you're either going to skip them becuase both can't play or you're going to have to have your 6/7 yo sit out. [honest question] Do you really tell your 6/7 yo she can't ride Space Mountain if she really wants to becuase your 3 year old can't? If you do and that works for your family - more power to you. One of the reasons we love to vacation at Disneyworld is becuase there is so very much that our family with widely spaced children CAN do together, but there is also enough for my toddlers to do while my older daughter gets to be a big kid. No other theme/amusement park offers that. I detest the summer trips to Busch Gardens Williamsburg that I get drug along to. My little ones spend 90% of the day in the stroller waiting for big sis to ride rides with her couisns (and the wait there or at any other park will make everyone appreciate fast pass more! lol) My best option for those trips is to send older dd with her cousins alone (and I don't trust my aunt to watch them AT ALL she lets 7-12 yos loose in the park and leaves!) or find a sitter for the toddlers. Give me Disney and choices anyday!

 

[gina2000]

I personally believe that children of all ages should be able to learn to play together without conflict. Separating them does not allow that to occur. Parental supervision is, of course, mandatory but overall I believe the benefits outweight the hazards.

 

[tink621]

While I can envision a situation that might be like that be like that, that is NOT the case with I described. (even if I didn't give you all the info at that time.) My niece now 15 is 4 foot 11 inches. She had good judgment at that time and good impulse control. Heck sometimes better then me. I know I had the urge to "trip" some of the big kids running around and not looking where they are going. When hanging out in the play area with my kids she was doing just what a parent would do, protect and play with the smaller child others might not see. She will do the same thing now at water play areas and other places so I DH and I can get a break. Everyone should have a niece like mine.

Now my nephew who is 11 years old right now, I would never let do the same thing. (at any age so far.) He wouldn't understand that he was there for the younger kids. He wouldn't have good judgment. He gets caught up in his own world and ideas. He is bigger too and would not be looking out for younger kids.

I can see your point, but that does not mean it would be the case in all situations. (and wasn't in mine.)

I think it's great that you realize what your niece is capable of and what your nephew is not. But as you may well know some parents think their children do not wrong. Making these rules helps protect everyone. Someone may see the older well behaved children in the playground helping their younger siblings and say "oh well if they can play so can my older children". That's where we run into problems. I wish everyone realized what their children were capable of, but they don't. So if everyone would just follow the rules then there wouldn't be any trouble. It's the parent's responsibility to watch their younger children in the play areas not their older siblings. Like the other poster said Disney is a great place for every age!

 

[meandtheguys2]

I personally believe that children of all ages should be able to learn to play together without conflict. Separating them does not allow that to occur. Parental supervision is, of course, mandatory but overall I believe the benefits outweight the hazards.

Bravo Gina!!!!!

 

[tink621]

I personally believe that children of all ages should be able to learn to play together without conflict. Separating them does not allow that to occur. Parental supervision is, of course, mandatory but overall I believe the benefits outweight the hazards.

But what if there is conflict in a public place like Disney. Who's the referee? I know we're responsible for watching our own children, but is it fair to have to remove your toddler because another older child is causing problems and their parent is watching? It would be a wonderful world if all child of all ages got along, and all parents watched their children and what they're doing closely, but that's not the world we live in. When my older children were younger we were at an indoor playground @ chic-fil-a and some older children that should have not been there were being aggressive up in the slide tube area. When I said something to their parents they refused to believe their "angels" would do something like that and an arguement started. I went to the managment to address the problem and they did. But what about Disney? You can't always find someone to address those issues in a timely manner. And do we really want to spend our vacation doing that? I would love to have my 1 & 2 yr old play in pooh's spot and have my older boys watching and playing with them. They are also wonderful with younger children, but I don't believe it would be fair to the other parents to allow this. They don't know my older children and their behavior like I do.

 

[gina2000]

To me it then becomes an issue of redirection. If you are in a situation where older children are not behaving in a fashion you believe is safe for younger ones, redirect your child to a safer area of the play area. Stay nearby to assert your authority quietly but firmly if need be. Most children will not challenge a supervising adult.