I know this topic has been covered before..but I've recently read an article which I think will be useful.
I've edited out a few bits regarding scenarios...but hopefully it still makes sense.
It doesn't matter if the playground you are in is private or public..it still applies.
Tricky Question: What do you do if someone else's child is wrecking everyone's fun,
and the parent isn't doing anything about it?
What are you supposed to do about this child? There may-be no adult to appeal to.
If you step in and say something, are you breaking with etiquette?
Or even worse...doing something illegal?
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Have I crossed the Line?
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Here's a summary of advice from legal and advocacy organisations:
* It's illegel to hit a child- yours or someone else's - above the shoulders for any reason.
* If you speak to someone in such a way that they think they're about to be harmed it's considered assault
and you can be sued for it.
* Adults don't have the right to touch other kids - but if you were acting in what you consider were
" the child's best interest " ( removing the child from dangerous equipment for example )
a court would probably regard it as reasonable intervention.
* If you broke up a fight between your child and another...and you accidently knocked the child over,
it would all come down to the extent of physical harm and whether the force you used could be considered " reasonable " in this case.
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Why is it some parents do nothing?
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Several reasons.........
The parent may not have noticed.
They may not see it as a concern....and see it as " This is what you expect from a child of that age "
They may see no point in intervention.
They also may not know what to do.
They could be having a bad day...and it's all just " too much "
If you think a parent could do with some help....offer some tips.
* If the parent is having a bad day....offer moral support.
* If the parent is also caring for a baby or much younger child........offer to care for the younger child so the parent
can take care of the older child.
* Ask if the " wild child " can play with your child....at least you can then legitimely supervise.
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As`adults .. " We do have a responsibility to keep children safe. "
Above all......have fun....& play nice :)
(May 2007) (
Lexi xxx
