Learning to Share - Real Mum story on MoM

My little girl recently discovered the delights of the “roundy roundy swing” – a big round swing that also spins.

All day she had been begging to go to the park that has this swing, so, once we had done everything else we had to , off we went.

When we got there, there were quite a few people at the park, but no one on “her” swing. Giggling like mad, she raced over.

Right as she got there, some bigger girls ran over, and pushed her out of the way. On they jumped, and started swinging.

Now, there is room for several kids, so I stopped the swing, picked up my girl, and told these larger girls they could share.

As I started to seat her, another one of their friends literally shoved her off.

I decided not to make an issue, and told my little one “Not all children have learned how to share. We will play on another toy until it is your turn” I was delighted -she didn’t cry or meltdown, just moved to the normal swing. But she watched “her” swing like a hawk, waiting for them to get off.

Two mothers tag teamed pushing these girls, knowing full well we were waiting our turn. Normally at parks I have found in cases like this, parents will let their kids have a few minutes, then allow someone else to have a turn.

After nearly 30 minutes, I decided to step in.

I waited right next to the swing with my girl, and was ignored.

“Excuse me” I said. “My little girl was actually here first, and these kids shoved her aside. As they have now had such a long turn, and we have to leave soon, could you please let my child have a go?”

Well – she firstly told me to get over myself – it was a park and I didn’t own the equiptment. Then she yelled at me for accusing her girls of pushing in.

I looked her in the eye, and quietly said ” I apologise. I can now see exactly where your childrens bad manners come from”

She was stunned into silence, removed her kids, and my girl got her turn!!!!

I usually never stand up to someone like that, and it was very empowering!

Posted by katelt, 10th October 2013

12 Comments

- - mom73672 said
  - 29 Jul 2015
    9:51 am
I love that story….its easy to see where children sometimes go wrong and it is such a shame. I love what you did and what great lessons that taught your child. I take my hat off to you!

- - mom113055 said
  - 04 Apr 2015
    12:18 pm
good story

- - mom57522 said
  - 08 Jan 2015
    11:21 am
That’s the best comeback I’ve ever heard.

- - Michelle said
  - 29 Jul 2014
    2:58 pm
I like your style, firm, direct to the point and spot on.

- - bridgwll said
  - 19 Jun 2014
    3:00 pm
Wow way to go. You said the right thing at the right time and said it politely. That she had no come back ….. I hope you have sown a seed. Needless to say she would be telling all her friends but who cares. Some will just nod their heads at her but no really agree. I hope she comes across more ppl like you.

- - jodie80 said
  - 26 Mar 2014
    4:20 pm
oh dear how rude

- - liz007 said
  - 13 Oct 2013
    12:37 pm
You go mom. Omg how rude. Why could they not share with a little one… It makes you think what sort of people they will grow up to be.

- - kathryn said
  - 11 Oct 2013
    9:23 pm
Good job and what a great example you’ve set for your daughter. Applause

- - emilysparrow said
  - 11 Oct 2013
    3:25 pm
Well, it looks like you should stand up to people more! This is a great story. Love the ending, good job you!

- - cinta said
  - 10 Oct 2013
    11:29 pm
good on you!!! I hate going to parks and you get kids like that but when you get parents like that WOW how rude!! glad you stood up to them lets just hope those kids learnt its not nice being so rude and sharing can be fun!!

- - beksie said
  - 10 Oct 2013
    9:28 pm
Good on you! And good on your little girl. It amazes me that children can be so brazen/selfish/cocky/rude (could go on) – pushing your daughter off while you, an adult, are right there!!!!

I hope the other kids and parents take something positive away with them today.

- - golanth99@hotmail.com said
  - 10 Oct 2013
    6:32 pm
wow, go you! well done for being the bigger person and not letting them bully you or your daughter, you must be so proud of how she handled it too. Great story