Mall Play area question...?

Question

Your child is in the play area at the mall and there are big kids who shouldn't be in there (say they're approximately 9 years old)...what do you do?

I should have added that there is a hight limit of 42 inches.

Answer 1

I would ask mall security to make them leave. The rules in mall play areas are clearly posted. Everyone should follow the rules. Older children potentially make it dangerous for the little ones who the play area was designed for. I, personally, would avoid a confrontation with the children or the parents.

Answer 2

If you say anything to the older boys you could be in trouble by the parents, but if there is a monitor tell them or just wait it out until the older kids have run out of fun that should only take no more than 15 minutes. Then it should be safe to reenter. It is not worth getting into it with the older kids, but remember they are young also and when yours are 9 you will have a different attitude about 9 year olds.

Answer 3

I know what you mean, in our mall, a one year old got knocked off the slide by a ten year old, wound up with in convulsions, bleeding and they had to call an ambulance. We just dont play in them anymore, especially since so many people just drop off their kids at the mall and don't check on them for hours.

I have, in the past, kindly and gently said to rambunctious older children, "would you please keep an eye on the little ones? They don't know to get out of your way." And usually they are very kind in return because I haven't been mean. Kids who are playing nicely, I ignore or smile at. You catch more flies with honey, you know, and being friendly to anyone, adult or child, will help you in the long run. Children, in the long run, aren't experienced in the real world, and I don't want to punish them for their parent's failings. After all, it's an adult who has not ensured that they know limitations or behaviors, and it's an adult who should have been with them.

If my children want to play, we leave the mall and go to the park. Malls really are not the best places for children, and we are teaching our kids that they are for shopping, and for fun we leave. If it's bad weather, we go to perfect swing or something, but even in most bad weather, we can play outside for a limited amount of time.

Answer 4

Who says that a 9 yr old shouldnt be in the play area? Is there a posted age limit? If so, contact the people who work there...if not then take your child somewhere else if you don't like the rules there.

Answer 5

personaly, i dont let my kids go into the mall play area. it is always in the food court, and to me, it is just very very germy. as long as the big kids are not impeding your kids access to playing, there isn't much to do. if the big kids are being bullies, call mall security. most malls do not let kids be unacompanied in the mall under 17

Answer 6

Take my child somewhere else. Unless the older kids are bullying or causing trouble of some sort, let them be.

Play areas are not so great in my estimation. Dirty and germy! I've seen kids come out of those areas with snotty nasty noses or hacking coughs.

Answer 7

If the big kids are playing nice and not bothering the little kids, probably nothing. If they are being obnoxious or getting in the way of the little kids having fun, I'd probably tell them that they are too old.

Answer 8

If you are really worried about your child you wouldn't let them play in a mall play area.

I hate even walking past it. Imagine how many germs are in that place.

Answer 9

You can either have your child play in another mall play area or if you are concerned about his safety & still want your child to play in that play area. se if youm can locate a mall security officer & inquire with them.

Answer 10

Usually, 9 year olds would be allowed in a play area. They are still children and still enjoy childish activities from time to time--unless there is an age restrictive posting.