Playground Etiquette Is NOT Dead This afternoon, I am smiling in reflection of an earlier encounter on the playground that could have easily had a negative ending. As my sons and I began our trek on the nature trail, I noticed whom I shall refer to as Cell Phone Dad pushing his son on the swing as he talked on the phone. When we finished the trail, he was still in the same spot - pushing his son periodically with one hand and holding his cell phone in the other. Though the park is not small in size, there are only two baby swings. A courteous young woman thoughtfully plucked her daughter from the swing as I approached to give my son a turn. Soon, out of the corner of my eye, I could see a line of patient Mother’s and their children forming behind us. I looked to my left, where Cell Phone Dad was still carelessly chatting away on his cell. Though I would normally avoid the conversation (for fear of seeming condensending to other adults), I knew not saying anything might bother me later. Moments later, I turned to Cell Phone Dad and cheerfully said, “Looks like there are others waiting.” After a quick glance over his shoulder, he responded, “Hmmph. Yeah.” He then resumed his cell phone conversation. I turned to him again and said, in a sing-song voice, “Playground etiquette!” This time he sighed, promptly ended his cell phone conversation and removed his son from the swing after promising him they would return later. The next child took their turn and all was right in the world. Today’s Lesson: Don’t be afraid to speak up. Parents will always be the best models for manners and it’s not bad to remind other adults when they should exhibit some.

Playground Etiquette Is NOT Dead

This afternoon, I am smiling in reflection of an earlier encounter on the playground that could have easily had a negative ending. As my sons and I began our trek on the nature trail, I noticed whom I shall refer to as Cell Phone Dad pushing his son on the swing as he talked on the phone. When we finished the trail, he was still in the same spot - pushing his son periodically with one hand and holding his cell phone in the other.

Though the park is not small in size, there are only two baby swings. A courteous young woman thoughtfully plucked her daughter from the swing as I approached to give my son a turn. Soon, out of the corner of my eye, I could see a line of patient Mother’s and their children forming behind us. I looked to my left, where Cell Phone Dad was still carelessly chatting away on his cell. Though I would normally avoid the conversation (for fear of seeming condensending to other adults), I knew not saying anything might bother me later.

Moments later, I turned to Cell Phone Dad and cheerfully said, “Looks like there are others waiting.” After a quick glance over his shoulder, he responded, “Hmmph. Yeah.” He then resumed his cell phone conversation. I turned to him again and said, in a sing-song voice, “Playground etiquette!” This time he sighed, promptly ended his cell phone conversation and removed his son from the swing after promising him they would return later. The next child took their turn and all was right in the world.

Today’s Lesson: Don’t be afraid to speak up. Parents will always be the best models for manners and it’s not bad to remind other adults when they should exhibit some.

()