I am constantly surprised at how many parents do not supervise or interact with their children at our community pool. Yes, there are lifeguards on duty, but last time I checked they were there to deal with safety issues, not to babysit random children. Most of the moms at the toddler wading pool lay out in the sun or talk on their cell phones while their little ones play in pool, which is neglectful if not downright dangerous. Since I always go into the pool to play with my daughter, I am constantly attracting other people's children -- it's like they say, "Hey, there's a grownup who actually plays with kids instead of talking on the phone!" I am like the Pied Piper of our little wading pool. Most kids behave themselves, but if there's too much splashing, pushing, etc. (and, on more than one occasion, swearing), I tell them, "You can play with us if you like, but if you continue to push (splash, swear, etc.) my little girl and I are going to have to play somewhere else." This usually stops it. If not, I have no problem asking the child to show me where his/her mommy is, and then I politely explain to Mom that their little one is being a bit rough. Sometimes I get a blank stare, and sometimes I get an eye roll and a "So what?" Most of the time the parent is apologetic, but I can tell by the way she answers that she was fully aware of her child's behavior and was hoping to not have to deal with it. I am always polite, and the only time I am hesitant to approach a parent is when I have reason to believe that my confronting the parent will result in the child being smacked or yelled at.