what would you do when (park related)

when i take my ds to the park i put him in his little tykes push car instead of in his stroller. every time i do this i "park the car" under or between a bench and put the hood up to protect the bag of things i have in it (my garage door opener, drinks, snack, keys, cell, and a few dollars.)

EVERY time i go i find a young unsupervised child in my car and going through my stuff (playing with my garage door opener, trying to drink from my ds's sippy!) i usually let it slide and take my things away but let them play in the car.

but yesterday a little girl took my ds's ball out of the car and started playing with it. i told the lady he was with to have the child put the ball back in the car when she was finished. so what did she do...she put the girl in the car and started pushing her around. ok fine.

i took my ds out of the swings so i could go put my ball and car back where i put it in the 1st place and i let the girl continue to play in it. although it was becoming a pain b/c i had to hold all my stuff b/c she was in the car.

the dad sees all of this comes over and just watches the girl in the car. then i notice that the girl has a bloody knee from falling eariler and had snot dripping all over her face.

my ds gets sick so easily and now i'm so grossed out. i started looking annoyed and after what seemed like forever the dad took the girl out of the car and i got a napkin and wiped it down.

i don't want to be rude and tell them to stop touching my stuff but that's really what i want them to do.

what would you do?

am i being too anal?

Message edited 12/7/2009 10:48:11 AM.

Re: what would you do when (park related)

I would most definitely say something...It's your things and if you don't want them playing in it, you have a right to ask them to stop...JMO

Re: what would you do when (park related)

Re: what would you do when (park related)

Ugh I have the same experiences . I bring my DS red car also. I park mine on the opposite side of where mostly everyone is. But, dosen't really work that great because kids run over to it and other parents say nothing.

Re: what would you do when (park related)

Message edited 6/30/2008 1:42:23 PM.

Re: what would you do when (park related)

That would definitely annoy me. I'm not sure what I would say to them, but I'd have to say something. Is it always the same child playing with it? Are they there at the same time you go everyday? Can you go at a different time?

Re: what would you do when (park related)

Re: what would you do when (park related)

it's irritating how other patrons of the park simply do not understand the hidden etiquette. but this is the norm at every park, mall, school, market and etx. i would continue with teh usual routine by bringing your child to the park in his favorite car. what's the sense in depriving your child of anything. instead of putting your belongings in the car, put them in your purse and wear it. also, keep some hand sanitizer and wipes readily available. and make sure your car is near you where ever you go while in the park. it's a few more steps out of your way but this may help send your message.

Re: what would you do when (park related)

Re: what would you do when (park related)

maybe keep the car next to you? or i guess if it comes to it, avoid bringing it; even though I feel that is unfair for you and DS

too bad they don't make "the club" for kids cars

Message edited 6/30/2008 2:19:52 PM.

Re: what would you do when (park related)

I would keep the car next to you & if someone comes over say...I"m sorry, that's ds's. He gets sick very easily & I wouldn't want you to catch anything.

Re: what would you do when (park related)

I would NEVER let my kids go into another childs car/buggy. What is wrong with these people??
I would try to put it where the kids don't see it.

Re: what would you do when (park related)

This is so ODD. I would NEVER let my child climb into someone elses toy car, or play with their things.....

Re: what would you do when (park related)

I've actually had this experience before, but the other way around. DS and I walked to the park and another mom had brought her child in the car toy. The first thing my son did was go over to the car toy and play on it. I immedietaly grabbed him and told him it did not belong to him and that it was someone elses. He did try and go back a few times and I kept telling him no, and eventually he got it. At first, I was a bit annoyed, I guess, that someone would bring such an attraction to the park with them. To children it's another toy, they don't get that that someone else's stuff is in it/germs whatever! They see another toy. Most children won't go in another stroller because it's a stroller, not a toy. KWIM. But, this is a free world and if you want to take DS is in his car to the park, go right ahead. And, if a parent chooses not to instruct their child, then step right up and tell them that is not for them to play with. And, the only suggestion that I would have is maybe bring a beach blanket and drape it over it when it is parked and maybe the kids won't SEE another toy!

Re: what would you do when (park related)

I wouldn't bring the car. It is too much of an attraction for other kids.

Re: what would you do when (park related)

I would definitely say something. The other people should have the sense to not let their child touch someone else's stuff!

Re: what would you do when (park related)

I would be PO'd and besides......I would never let my child play with a strangers things at the park. Not only do I not know who or what has been in there (no offense to you) but I also teach my son better manners than that. Who are these people....didn't anyone ever teach them we don't touch anyone's stuiff without asking 1st!!!