My diary: I am developing an aversion to children

Not my own you understand, but back in 2011 I had a tricky situation in the playground at school.

I was extremely fortunate as I often worked from home which meant I could take my children to school most days. I know there are lots of mums who have to work so miss out on the “school run”. On this particular day I was stood chatting to a couple of the other parents, you know how it is: one eye on the conversation, one eye on the clock, one eye on my middle child, one eye on ASD beauty…

I was enjoying the opportunity of observing the littlest one in “his natural environment”, he was 5 at this time and was stood with a group of children who ranged in age upto around 7. They seemed to be laughing and joking and generally enjoying themselves. But my Mummy radar was tingling (I should mention that I have special powers when it comes to sniffing out trouble) and decided a little wander to get closer to the group was in order.

I was annoyed when I heard one of the boys stage-whisper “Say the “s” word” just as another little boy ran past and said “Say pooh bum”. My little one thought this was a wonderful game.

Suffice to say I firmly told each boy “You should not teach the little ones to say rude words” and walked away.

I approached one of the Mum’s to let her know what I had said to her son, and why. I waited with baited breath to see if she would be okay with me dealing with the situation in the way I had (I’m happy for my children to be told off in an appropriate way if they are being naughty, but not everyone is) and was relieved when she said it wasn’t a problem and that she’d have a word with him after school.

I’m calm.

I realise that early years of school come with their share of “rude” words being heard (as a Mum of 3 I’m hardly a novice). But what’s heartbreaking about these situations is the very fine line that is being trod between “children playing with little-one” and “children showing malintent towards little-one”.

How do I explain subtle difference between “larking around with friends” and “inappropriate play”? I would have struggled to explain this to an average 5 year old let alone my little chap….

It was at this point I realised the importance of teaching appropriate vs. inappropriate play. Something that I’m still working on 7 years later…

At times it feels like a losing battle. Especially now I also have the joy of battling with the “online” world. But. We keep open. We keep calm. We keep honest. There is no such thing as asking a “wrong” question at home. And, of course, I keep an eye on browsing history and have access to all emails / inmails / ingame chats. The coaching never stops.