what's your favorite flavor of ice cream?

[leighe]

You have got to be kidding me!

 

[C.Ann]

Yes, you are overreacting. Stand on the other side of the fence if you are concerned for your safety.

I have to agree.. It's a playground.. Kids play with balls on a playground.. Unless these kids are using the type of hard balls that are used for pro baseball, I can't even imagine a K-3 grader throwing it or kicking it hard enough to cause much more than an "ouch"..

I think you need to find somewhere else to stand - or remove your older child from the playground as soon as you get there..

 

[bumbershoot]

Kids don't play enough so I wouldn't tell them not to play on a playground. Way too often the only physical activity kids get is with their thumbs on a video game controller. I'd let them play and find somewhere else to stand. Better yet, I'd pick up a ball and play some catch.

The other week I noticed an article about recent studies of kids and activities, and they showed it wasn't actually true. Kids are getting the same amount of exercise and play as before. (I remember this b/c I put the blame on the pretend sugars that spike blood sugar that are in SO many snack and "kid" foods, and I loved that this article went hand in hand with it)



I'm thinking that the people who think this is OK don't remember how much those big red rubber balls HURT when you get hit by them! I remember!!!

But my elementary school had a HUGE playground area, and the blacktop was the ONLY place balls could be used. The geodesic dome was down the hill (dirt!) and in its own tanbark (beauty bark to some) area with slide, swings, and rocket climby thing. No balls allowed. Then there was the field, only balls during supervised activities. Then there was the other area where me and my friends would play "fort" and house and all sorts of things. AGain, no balls allowed. Obviously, though my school was tiny, our playground was huge, and they didn't want to lose balls or take 10 extra minutes to go have to get the balls that might have been left.

So honestly, I'm with the OP. Sounds like a bunch of kids getting too wild; I'd want them to tone it down a bit. Of course...if they are all eating Uncrustables and given fruit snacks (other than organic ones), it's probably the HFCS causing the way-too-hyper activity and violence of throwing balls too hard.

 

[phorsenuf]

The other week I noticed an article about recent studies of kids and activities, and they showed it wasn't actually true. Kids are getting the same amount of exercise and play as before. (I remember this b/c I put the blame on the pretend sugars that spike blood sugar that are in SO many snack and "kid" foods, and I loved that this article went hand in hand with it)



I'm thinking that the people who think this is OK don't remember how much those big red rubber balls HURT when you get hit by them! I remember!!!

But my elementary school had a HUGE playground area, and the blacktop was the ONLY place balls could be used. The geodesic dome was down the hill (dirt!) and in its own tanbark (beauty bark to some) area with slide, swings, and rocket climby thing. No balls allowed. Then there was the field, only balls during supervised activities. Then there was the other area where me and my friends would play "fort" and house and all sorts of things. AGain, no balls allowed. Obviously, though my school was tiny, our playground was huge, and they didn't want to lose balls or take 10 extra minutes to go have to get the balls that might have been left.

So honestly, I'm with the OP. Sounds like a bunch of kids getting too wild; I'd want them to tone it down a bit. Of course...if they are all eating Uncrustables and given fruit snacks (other than organic ones), it's probably the HFCS causing the way-too-hyper activity and violence of throwing balls too hard.

Throwing balls is violent now? Geeeeesh.
Kids these days just don't stand a chance.

 

[Magic Mom]

Okay let me draw a picture for you. You are standing there holding your 1 yr old while your 5 yr old is playing on the jungle gym. Balls are whizzing by your face. How would you feel about that?

I'm confused. Are you standing there watching you child play, or just walking though? If you are walking through then walk around, and if you are standing there watching your kid play, then find another playground that you feel is safer.

 

[golfgal]

Okay let me draw a picture for you. You are standing there holding your 1 yr old while your 5 yr old is playing on the jungle gym. Balls are whizzing by your face. How would you feel about that?

How would I feel, I would feel "oops, I am in the way of the kids playing, I better move"

 

[curious3069]

At my daughter's school we pick the kids up right next to a playground that is for the smaller children grades k-3 and the parents usually let the kids play there right after school lets out. You have to walk through part of the playground to get to your car. I have noticed an increasing number of balls being thrown back and forth by the kids. It used to be one section of the playground now it's everywhere, and the parents are standing there letting it happen. I saw many close calls where the balls almost hit children and babies in the faces.

I went to talk to the assistant principal and he basically smirked at me and said, "We'll keep an eye out." Right! I was peeved at being blown off by him so I called the principal who basically said she has no control because it's not school hours.

This is insane to me because someone is going to get hurt with all of these balls being kicked and thrown and when I look around it seems like none of the parents really give a rip.

Is it just me overacting? I am new to this whole school thing with my oldest being in Kindergarten. Do I have a valid complaint?

Opinions?

Really? Yes, you are over-reacting. It's a playground with kids playing, that's a good thing. Kids sometimes get hit. Heck, sometimes they even fall down. You can complain and push the issue, but think about whether you want to be labeled as "that mother". Do you really want to go to the school saying "there are kids playing with balls and they might hit me and my kids so you need to make them stop!" Have you asked if there is another door or area you can pick your daughter up at?? Plus if the other parents aren't concerned about their own kids safety, you really don't need to be either. They're not throwing rocks or knives.

Pick your battles, this isn't one of them.

 

[FayeW]

Of course...if they are all eating Uncrustables and given fruit snacks (other than organic ones), it's probably the HFCS causing the way-too-hyper activity and violence of throwing balls too hard.

I hate to burst your bubble, but kids throwing or kicking balls on a playground is neither violent, nor a sign of hyperactivity. Did you never play as a child? Is your child allowed to play or does he have to sit and do crafts all day?

 

[Mouse House Mama]

So honestly, I'm with the OP. Sounds like a bunch of kids getting too wild; I'd want them to tone it down a bit. Of course...if they are all eating Uncrustables and given fruit snacks (other than organic ones), it's probably the HFCS causing the way-too-hyper activity and violence of throwing balls too hard.

I have now heard it all.
I say let the kids play with bows an arrows and slingshots with rocks. That'll keep all those parents moving quickly through that playground! If a kid is having a hard time hitting their mark hold the kid down and force them to eat an uncrustable followed by a bag of fruit snacks then let them try again.

*While I think certain foods are junk and HFCS is on my list I do not think that it is causing the demise of children playing on the playground*

 

[Plannin'Shannon]

[/B]
I say let the kids play with bows an arrows and slingshots with rocks. That'll keep all those parents moving quickly through that playground! If a kid is having a hard time hitting their mark hold the kid down and force them to eat an uncrustable followed by a bag of fruit snacks then let them try again.

 

[Rafiki31]

[/B]
I have now heard it all.
I say let the kids play with bows an arrows and slingshots with rocks. That'll keep all those parents moving quickly through that playground! If a kid is having a hard time hitting their mark hold the kid down and force them to eat an uncrustable followed by a bag of fruit snacks then let them try again.

*While I think certain foods are junk and HFCS is on my list I do not think that it is causing the demise of children playing on the playground*

 

[C.Ann]

Sounds like a bunch of kids getting too wild; I'd want them to tone it down a bit. Of course...if they are all eating Uncrustables and given fruit snacks (other than organic ones), it's probably the HFCS causing the way-too-hyper activity and violence of throwing balls too hard.

What? K-3rd grade being able to throw a spongy, soft ball so hard that it's considered "violent" and needs to be "toned down"?? Kind of reminds me of that helicoper parenting thread where it shows the parent wrapping their child in bubble wrap.. LOL..

The OP is standing there - with a baby - allowing her older child to stay and spend time on the playground.. If playing is not acceptable, grab your child and go home.. Problem solved..

 

[greenpea89]

The other week I noticed an article about recent studies of kids and activities, and they showed it wasn't actually true. Kids are getting the same amount of exercise and play as before. (I remember this b/c I put the blame on the pretend sugars that spike blood sugar that are in SO many snack and "kid" foods, and I loved that this article went hand in hand with it)



I'm thinking that the people who think this is OK don't remember how much those big red rubber balls HURT when you get hit by them! I remember!!!

But my elementary school had a HUGE playground area, and the blacktop was the ONLY place balls could be used. The geodesic dome was down the hill (dirt!) and in its own tanbark (beauty bark to some) area with slide, swings, and rocket climby thing. No balls allowed. Then there was the field, only balls during supervised activities. Then there was the other area where me and my friends would play "fort" and house and all sorts of things. AGain, no balls allowed. Obviously, though my school was tiny, our playground was huge, and they didn't want to lose balls or take 10 extra minutes to go have to get the balls that might have been left.

So honestly, I'm with the OP. Sounds like a bunch of kids getting too wild; I'd want them to tone it down a bit. Of course...if they are all eating Uncrustables and given fruit snacks (other than organic ones), it's probably the HFCS causing the way-too-hyper activity and violence of throwing balls too hard.

I thought this post was sarcastic - meant to be funny, tongue in cheek. Was it serious??????? I'm honestly confused!

 

[monkey68]

Just out of curiousity, if this is a K-3 playground, the kids are little right, as in generally shorter than most adults? If you're holding your baby, how often are they going to throw a ball high enough that it will fly past your face? Seriously, it's a playground. If the kid gets hit by a ball, chances are that they'll be fine. Haven't you ever gotten whacked with a ball as a kid? Bet you survived.

We used to play a game with the slides kid would go down, everyone would throw a ball at the kid going down the slide. If you hit the kid, you got a point, if the kid caught your ball, you lost a point. Nobody ever got hurt. Bruises are a part of growing up.

 

[golfgal]

I thought this post was sarcastic - meant to be funny, tongue in cheek. Was it serious??????? I'm honestly confused!

No, she is serious.


Ok, about those red playground balls--did anyone ever play dodge ball or what we called Nation Ball--the whole goal was to chuck those balls at kids as hard as possible to get them "out". Didn't everyone go after the class bully in that game??? Heck, our kids school even has a game of dodgeball between the seniors and the teachers at homecoming. The kids LOVE this game!!! Violent, maybe, but sure is a heck of a lot better than coming on the playground and hosing your friends with an Uzi.

 

[Scurvy]

OP, unless the kids are actually throwing the balls at the children who are using the other equipment or just walking through, then I agree that you are overreacting. Now if they are using little Susie on the slide for target practice (and she doesn't want them to), that's a problem. But if they are just playing catch and some of the balls happen to come a little close to the other people on the playground, I'd say that's to be expected.

It isn't a playground intended for babies and toddlers. If it was, then I'd think the balls should be relegated to a particular area away from everything else. Toddlers have enough trouble just walking without having to worry about dodging balls. But since this playground is intended for school aged children I don't see a problem if some of them want to play ball on the playground.

greenpea89 - I'm pretty sure that post was intended to be completely serious.

Mouse House Mama -

 

[marlynnp]

Instead of the Principal, maybe you should call the
Burgermeister Meisterburger

 

[mefordis]

I agree with you 100% on ALL POINTS you have made. I feel your post is all I need to feel vindicated! Thank you! I don't even care if I don't get anyone else to agree with me

I also agree that the problem with childhood obesity is not lack of exercise but the crappy food that is given to them in huge portions.

The other week I noticed an article about recent studies of kids and activities, and they showed it wasn't actually true. Kids are getting the same amount of exercise and play as before. (I remember this b/c I put the blame on the pretend sugars that spike blood sugar that are in SO many snack and "kid" foods, and I loved that this article went hand in hand with it)



I'm thinking that the people who think this is OK don't remember how much those big red rubber balls HURT when you get hit by them! I remember!!!

But my elementary school had a HUGE playground area, and the blacktop was the ONLY place balls could be used. The geodesic dome was down the hill (dirt!) and in its own tanbark (beauty bark to some) area with slide, swings, and rocket climby thing. No balls allowed. Then there was the field, only balls during supervised activities. Then there was the other area where me and my friends would play "fort" and house and all sorts of things. AGain, no balls allowed. Obviously, though my school was tiny, our playground was huge, and they didn't want to lose balls or take 10 extra minutes to go have to get the balls that might have been left.

So honestly, I'm with the OP. Sounds like a bunch of kids getting too wild; I'd want them to tone it down a bit. Of course...if they are all eating Uncrustables and given fruit snacks (other than organic ones), it's probably the HFCS causing the way-too-hyper activity and violence of throwing balls too hard.

 

[marlynnp]

I thought this post was sarcastic - meant to be funny, tongue in cheek. Was it serious??????? I'm honestly confused!

Nope, look at the source.

 

[curious3069]

You know, it's not a bad thing to be concerned about your children's safety, but if you are that concerned, then you need to remove yourself and your kids from the situation, not expect all the other kids and parents to change what they are doing.