I can vividly recall my past self, brimming with a sense of superiority. I would gaze disapprovingly at those rambunctious children, questioning why their parents hadn’t instilled better manners in them. I’d often direct a disapproving glare or mutter something along the lines of, “Remember, sweetie, we ascend the ladder and descend the slide!” To me, those kids were nothing short of little monsters.
They were undeniably large—no, massive! It was clear they had the capability to topple over any smaller children in their vicinity. Their reckless abandon as they clambered all over the playground equipment, disregarding both rules and basic decency, made them seem like a genuine threat.
But what truly alarmed me was their extraordinary agility. Who in their right mind would attempt to scale the outside of a tunnel slide while donning flip-flops? Only a monster, obviously.
Fast forward to last Saturday, when I overheard a familiar voice admonishing, “No, sweetheart, you can’t climb on that. It’s slippery and dangerous, and you could hurt yourself!” I recognized that tone—it was mine from years past.
As I turned to observe my children in action, I realized the “monstrous” behavior was indeed coming from my own offspring. Strangely, I found myself unperturbed by their antics. Drawing from my experience as a fellow parent, I approached them and urged them to lead by example, showing the younger kids the proper way to navigate the equipment.
The other mother looked at me with a mix of frustration and appreciation, and I returned her gaze with a friendly, apologetic smile. I understood her perspective all too well, and I now had a newfound appreciation for my current position.
Over the years, I’ve also taken risks in slippery situations, not out of ignorance but because those extra years of experience have equipped me with the wisdom to assess risks and make bolder choices. Parenting has taught me about trial and error, and I’ve seen my share of ups and downs in these nine years.
As for parents of older kids and their adventurous spirits? They’re not so fearsome after all. They are simply more capable, curious, and willing to explore than they were in their younger days. Watching my children tackle new challenges with confidence is just as exhilarating now as it was when they were toddlers. While it may appear they’re unaware of their limits, the truth is they are beginning to understand them.
So while my older kids may slip up from time to time (don’t we all?), they are certainly not monsters to be feared—whether at the playground or elsewhere.
However, those seemingly daunting teenagers roaming the streets after school? Well, that’s another narrative entirely.