Playground Lessons

Playground Lessons

Sandra sat on the bench watching the playground. She often took this break during her daily walk. Her own kids were grown, kids of their own. She loved reminiscing about them, watching the kids play.

Today’s were different kids and parents because she had an appointment later. It was fun to see all new people. Most of today’s kids were younger, a whole new generation she thought.

One young couple came and sat on the bench near her, watching a child of about three, she imagined. Not paying any attention to Sandra, they were discussing leaving.

“It’s time to go home. She’ll cry,” the mother said.

“We can’t help that, we’ll be late for her appointment! We never should have stopped here!”

“I told you!”

“I know, but she asked, what could I say, no?”

“I know, then she’d be crying... how do other parents do it? We never see their kids crying all the time.”

“We must be doing something wrong... Maybe we can change her doctor’s appointment?”

“Yes! Let’s do that!”

Sandra couldn’t hold it in one more second. “Do NOT change her appointment! Take her to the car kicking and screaming if you must! Her doctor appointment is necessary, YOU need to be the boss! The reason the other kids are not crying is they already know their parents are the bosses until they get to be grown-ups! All she needs is YOU to be the boss!”

The couple looked over shocked! And then they smiled at each other, then back at Sandra. And then, they went and took their child, kicking and screaming, and put her in the car, waving as they left, still smiling!

Sandra got up and finished her walk. She was a retired preschool teacher after all, might as well do some good.