Smoking at the Park

I highly doubt it's illegal. Unless it's posted that smoking is prohibited I don't think there is anything that can be done. Unfortunately there are some people out there who are not as considerate as you wish they would be. I agree it's not right and they should be more considerate, but it's just another one of those things in this world that there's no control over and you just have to suck it up and live with it. No, I'm not a smoker.

I am a smoker. If I am watching children at a playground (assuming that they were big enough to play without me there to catch them), I might step away from everyone else and light up. I try to find a spot where others won't have to put up with the smoke, and where I'm not standing right in front of children. Of course, my first priority is to keep an eye on my charges, and be able to get to them if need be.

I know all too well how inconsiderate some smokers can be; I get especially riled when they use lawns and parking lots as ashtrays.

One way to approach these Moms may be to tell them that you're sorry to inconvenience, but your little one is especially sensitive to smoke. He was so looking forward to the swings, so you hated to take him away. Could they move a little to the left?

They might tell you to pound sand, but chances are better that they'll give you some (literal) breathing room.

How about contacting the city that the park is in and asking for guidance. Maybe you can also get them to put up no smoking signs. The worst that can happen is you are told no. Good luck and thank you for all of us who enjoy clean, fresh air.

KarilouMomof2 is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com living in Tempe. Her daughters are 9 and 6.

As far as I know it is not illegal, but it is a good idea to bring it up to like Parks and Recs or something...Because if it is illegal to smoke inside restaurants and anywhere near at least 20 feet away from the location it should definitely be prohibited around children...

I am a smoker also, but when I'm at the park I'm too busy playing with my kids to smoke unless his dad is there. In which case I go find an ashtray and smoke by that.

Unfortunatly there are some smokers out there that ruin it for everyone, which gives all smokers a bad rap.

Although there are non-smokers out there, that instead of asking me to put out my cigarette (which is have no problem doing mind you) just sit there and give you the evil glare and make huffing noises.

How rude! Do any of them seem approachable enough to ask them to stop? Some smokers are so touchy and mean about it, though.

I sometimes start hacking as loud as I can to hint. But I have to admit I've rarely approached them to say something, afraid that they would slug me. :( And then I walk away, but they've ruined by outing. So sad.