DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’m a fairly new mother of one child. After working hard to clear my work schedule and afford a family vacation, we’re finally here! The issue is all the other parents.
Every time I grab a cocktail and head to an expansive lawn to toss a ball to our dog or kick a ball to my daughter, four or five other kids descend. I would love nothing more than for my daughter to find a playmate, but it seems that I just end up running playtime.
GENTLE READER: As soon as the children start descending, look around for parents — or loudly ask the children where they are. (If the children are not old enough to respond, just get louder.)
Once the parents have been located, say to the kids, “You might want to tell your parents that you are here, because I’m not sure how long we will stay. And we don’t want to abandon you.”
That last part, Miss Manners feels certain, will put the parents on high alert — that they should either collect their children quickly or be prepared to take over playtime.
(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, [email protected]; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
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