How do you manage 5 young children at the park?

[smileyface]

I'll definitely have to set rules (with the ones who can understand them). Right now, I've been letting them go where they want, but I find it stressful since the 3 year old is normally at the other side of the park from us.

[sunnydays]

They can ALL understand if you are consistant! I find it's the 16 -20 month olds who are the worst for trying to run off...so they end up going into the stroller repeatedly until the get it. I have a little guy who was in that stage last fall and spent a whole lot of time sitting in the stroller, followed by another chance...then he would try to toddle off again and back in the stroller he went. This year he hasn't tried to run off once. Now my new dcg who just turned 2 is the one who runs off...she hasn't been with me long enough to know that this is not okay. Probably her parents just follow her wherever she runs (as long as it isn't the road of course), so she thinks she gets to decide where she plays. So I have to watch her extra carefully to make sure she isn't starting to wander off. I do not allow anyone to be outside of the designated area. It might be harder for you now as you have allowed them before, but you can do it. Tell the three year old where the boundary lines are and tell her that if she crosses the line she will be sitting on the bench watching her friends play. She will learn fast. I think I would go totally stir crazy if we couldn't get out to play at the park when the weather is nice...especially after being couped up all winter. I have a yard that we use in the afternoons...but I like the variety the park offers.

I'll definitely have to set rules (with the ones who can understand them). Right now, I've been letting them go where they want, but I find it stressful since the 3 year old is normally at the other side of the park from us.

[gramma]

I dont take kids to the park unless I have hubby or my teenage daughter with me. I personally have a fear of heights so I hate watching them climb up the ladders and such but even if that wasnt the case I dont feel that I can keep my eyes on 5 little ones and keep everyone safe. I also think what would happen if one got hurt, not seriously in that they need an ambulance but enought that they couldnt walk home easily, how would I do it if I have a little one or two that HAVE to be in the stroller. I give the kids everything they need to have fun right here at home. I had one family interview who was really bothered that i didnt go to the park and ultimately they didnt sign on but I figure goin to the park can be a family thing for them to do on weekends.

[Skysue]

They can ALL understand if you are consistant! I find it's the 16 -20 month olds who are the worst for trying to run off...so they end up going into the stroller repeatedly until the get it. I have a little guy who was in that stage last fall and spent a whole lot of time sitting in the stroller, followed by another chance...then he would try to toddle off again and back in the stroller he went. This year he hasn't tried to run off once. Now my new dcg who just turned 2 is the one who runs off...she hasn't been with me long enough to know that this is not okay. Probably her parents just follow her wherever she runs (as long as it isn't the road of course), so she thinks she gets to decide where she plays. So I have to watch her extra carefully to make sure she isn't starting to wander off. I do not allow anyone to be outside of the designated area. It might be harder for you now as you have allowed them before, but you can do it. Tell the three year old where the boundary lines are and tell her that if she crosses the line she will be sitting on the bench watching her friends play. She will learn fast. I think I would go totally stir crazy if we couldn't get out to play at the park when the weather is nice...especially after being couped up all winter. I have a yard that we use in the afternoons...but I like the variety the park offers.

I had one as well that spent 50% of the park visits in the stroller for insubordination!
Running off just doesn't fit into my program. She listens now and is my biggest mole if anyone else steps out of line. Too funny!