As summer finally arrives, bringing with it the joys of sunshine and sunscreen, I’ve taken to visiting some local public pools. There’s something captivating about observing the dynamics between parents and their children, which perhaps reveals my own limited social outings. Here’s a look at the various types of parents you might spot at the pool:
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The Regulars
These parents act like they own the pool, and you just haven’t noticed yet. They arrive in small groups, staking their claim on the best sunny or shady spots with matching chairs, coordinated snacks, and vibrant towels. They might give you a wary glance if you don’t fit their usual crowd, and it’s clear their “togetherness” is a tight-knit one that you’re not part of with your faded towels and chocolate-smeared kids. -
The Nannies
Often as fatigued as any mom, these caregivers can be spotted managing rambunctious children. One nanny confided to me that she had a set “script” to get the kids to behave, but her heart didn’t seem in it. The children, sensing this, frequently disregarded her commands, opting instead for a game reminiscent of Lord of the Flies. -
The Fun Parent
This is the one who makes the rest of us feel inadequate. She’s the mom who lets her child climb all over her, even when it’s clearly uncomfortable, and initiates games of tag where she genuinely tries to catch them. She’s the one who brings swim noodles, making her kids look like they believe they’ve struck gold in some former life. -
The Phone Parents
You know the ones—glued to their phones while their kids cause chaos nearby. It’s astounding how some parents can be entirely oblivious while their child munches on snacks that don’t belong to them and creates a traffic jam at the slide. -
The New Mom with a Toddler and an Infant
This mom is a study in chaos: a sleeping baby at the pool’s edge and a toddler unleashing havoc. She’s lucky if her swimsuit is on correctly and looks a bit overwhelmed. If you catch her dozing off in the shallow end, it’s probably because her toddler decided to poke her awake with a stray swim noodle. -
The Perfect Parent
Almost as frustrating as the Fun Parent, the Perfect Parent has it all together—absolutely flawless abs, stylish beachwear, and impeccably groomed children who look like they’ve just come from a spa. It’s hard not to feel a pang of jealousy as you think of how easy it would be to just care a little more about your appearance. -
The Mom Seeking Friendship
I can relate to this mom, who’s on the lookout for companionship. It’s almost like a social experiment; she spots you and your kids, strikes up a conversation, and begins comparing notes on parenting challenges, like “Does your child also love to jump off high places and terrify you?” You bond over shared experiences, exchanging numbers while simultaneously reminding your kids about personal space and pool etiquette. -
The Hippie Parent
You’ll recognize her by the homemade vegan snacks and children with names like “Bringer of Light.” Despite her kids’ bickering, she radiates calmness and seems perfectly content in the chaos, embracing the moment. -
The Grandparent
In our area, it can be tricky to differentiate between grandmas and young moms. Many grandmothers here still rock two-pieces with confidence, and they genuinely enjoy their time with the kids. Expect lots of high-fives and poolside treats from these lovely ladies. -
The Discipline Parent
This parent has a rule for everything—no pushing, no cutting in line, and definitely no nose-blowing in the pool (yes, my child is the one she pointed at). While she may mean well, it’s hard not to wish she’d relax a bit. After all, splashing is a rite of passage for kids.
I’ve played each of these roles at one time or another, depending on the day. Well, except for the Perfect Parent—I’m pretty sure that persona hides some wildness beneath the surface.
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Summary
This summer, the public pool serves as a microcosm of parenting styles. From the overly organized Regulars to the carefree Hippie Parents, each brings a unique flavor to the communal experience. Whether you’re a Fun Parent or a Discipline Parent, we all navigate the challenges of raising kids in the water, sometimes feeling like we’re just trying to keep our heads above water ourselves.
Keyphrase: Public pool parenting styles
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