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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!

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Posted by katelt, 10th October 2013