Soo I was *that* playground mom today.

I'm a SAHM so I frequent our local park 2-3x a week. There are 4 different play structure areas and we usually go to the gated sandbox one. The sign says it's for ages 2-5. I usually bring a bunch of sand toys for the kids to share since moms/nannies of young kids are often there.

Well it's summer break and the big kids have been coming into the gated area. Of course they are free to play even though this playground is made for younger kids. With that being said I'm that mom watching them and making sure they're not throwing sand or being rough. I totally get that 9 year olds play differently from 1-3yos but being that the playground is made for 2-5 yos I feel zero guilt enforcing rules appropriate for 2-5 yos.

So today I probably said something to the crowd of big kids 3x about keeping the sand low (not throwing it). (they were digging holes in the sand). I felt bad but none of us let our little ones throw sand! It hurts when it gets in your eyes!!

Today there were enough toys for my kiddos to have a sand toy or two but during times that the big kids took all the toys I have asked them for a couple toys back for my own kids to play with. I also kind of cringe when they play roughly with the toys. Those 8-10yos are just so much stronger and I cringed when one girl stepped on our bucket upside down. I let that one go though hahah.

I felt bad bc I was "watching" them so closely.. part of the reason was they were digging deep holes and I did not want a little kid falling into them!!

Anyway do you think it was too much? Should I be more lax next time? Or would you have done the same?