Teens at tot lots

A lot of the times we go to the tot lots along the trails there are older kids and teenagers sitting around on the slides and play bridges and monkey bar areas, etc. blocking the playing of young children. When my kids ask me why the "big kids" are in their way I gently tell them to say "excuse me", loud enough for the kids to hear and still they never move. These teens just sit around texting and not caring that kids and parents are trying to use the areas intended for little kids. Not only have I seen them just sitting around and texting blocking paths on the play equipment, but their shoes and jackets and belonging are strewn about the equipment as well, which we have to walk around, move ourselves or ask them to move it. Overall, this makes for a very uncomfortable play situation.

Maybe a gentle reminder would be in order here. You know when you go to dinosaur park for example, there are signs posted by each play area "this play area for ages 5 and under" or similar message. Perhaps we need some signage asking others not to loiter in the area intended for small children. Thoughts?

 

Do you really believe they are not aware that the tot lots are for young children, and that after reading the sign they will not be there?

Maybe the adults reminding them that the children would like to play on the children's equipment might help.

 

at least they aren't peeing in cups and ringing your door bell, stealing beer from your garage or getting high. where are they suppose to go? don't get me wrong, being rude is not acceptable, but, they aren't doing anything really wrong.

 

Used to encounter this, as well. I'd just talk to them. Try to strike up a conversation. Teenagers HATE that. And they would soon be off like the wind.

 

Too funny! I bet it does indeed work! My method would probably consist of "Dude! Get out of the way."

 

Just break out the old "Boom Box" and start playing a Barney or Wiggles CD. I am sure they will move on.

 

THIS really does work. Being polite and conversational with a teen will get rid of them in a FLASH. especially if it turns out you know their parents???? way better than any other method.

 

I think they would appreciate being treated like they have a right to be there too. When your tots become teens you'll notice there's not many places where they're welcome to congregate outside. You could say the same thing to these kids that you'd say to a tot whose belongings or friends were in the way (mind if I move this? can you make room so we can play here too?)

 

well said.

 

I don't see how they have any less of a right to be there than the other kids... They are public parks.

 

it's unfair to assume that teens at the tot lots are up to no good- even though sometimes they are. it's always wise to start off courteously rather than confrontationally- don't you think?

and my 11 yr old has no clue about anything outside of his own narrow view of the moment unless you tell him, so i am sure teens don't think about their belongings being in someone's way until they are asked to move them- i'm sure we were that self absorbed and clueless when WE were teens...

i hung out at playgrounds as a teen- place to sit, felt relatively safe- why not? there's no reason to fear or feel odd about asking them to share the space- and if they choose to leave b/c now little kids and adults are there, then so be it. it IS a space designed for little kids, but not restricted to them.

 

Yes, they are public but the intended use is by younger kids.

T8ergirl is more diplomatic than me, I asked some teens hanging out at a lot near us a while back "Don't you have any place better to be then hanging out at a kids park?" I was courteous but also used a very direct tone and they left without any fuss.

And think about it, how many kids will not take advantage of the play areas INTENDED FOR THEM if teens are constantly hanging around? If said teens are truly up to nefarious activities, they will most certainly boss/bully the younger children away.

 

I am totally with you on this. I would NOT like teenagers to be playing at the tot lots. That's why they call it TOT lot...not a TEEN lot. If teens want more privacy...they can go over to friend's houses, etc. Tot lots are for playing with equipment, not to take over the playground and harass the little ones.

 

OK, so where is the playground for the 14-17 year olds? Also, I have yet to run into a teen who will boss/bully a child when a parent is present.

 

Redon...it sounds like you and I were the only teenagers who hung out at playgrounds! I remember a whole lot of serious "teen talk" with my friends happening on the swing sets at the school yard!

 

absolutely. and NOT all teens are up to no good. a small number of them are tarnishing the reps of them all and that's not fair. many hang out on the playgrounds without doing anything wrong, destroying equipment, doing drugs, etc.

and as far as kids not using the playground because teens are on it- kids playground age should have an adult with them ANYWAY, who can handle the situation if one arises.

after dark they shouldn't be there anyway, which is likely when the troublemakers ARE wreaking havoc. but hanging out there afterschool? can't we all just get along?

 

How many teens harass toddlers? I doubt that happens very often.