Is it worth voicing my concern over safety?

They absolutely would not be referred to social services. Crikey under no circumstances go into early years settings you would pass out!

I wouldn't have let my children play on slippery equipment even in daylight, especially so young. And if out with my daughter and the children were doing this I would probably ask nicely, Do you think its safe, because I'm a bit nervous watching them? And I would probably go sit in the car. I know children need to be given freedom and mine were given plenty. And probably did things I didn't know about. But I wouldn't watch them doing something I know to be risky.

Please don’t say anything unless you think their lives are endangered. Playing on a cliff edge for example! It sounds like it was fun for the kids, and this is the best time to get knocks, when their bones are soft. After all...your DIL has to do all the washing!?. Just enjoy knowing you don’t have to clean them up?

Oops, blooming predictive text! Meant to write 'I agree with Jane10' !

If you're going to say anything to anybody (and personally, I absolutely wouldn't) surely it would be your son? Why does your DiL have to take sole responsibility for his children's safety?

I don’t know if this helps but we had friends when my kids were growing up who were SO protective. When playing they were constantly told “be careful, don’t do that”. One became an outdoor danger sports instructor. The other has done nothing...

Sadly times are changing to the extent that children are being "wrapped up in cotton wool".

I had so much freedom in colonial Zambia and Kenya. If us children hurt ourselves when we played, we learned from our mistakes. Yes, sometimes we didn't need our parents' warnings and learned the hard way! But it was good for our development, learning through trial and error. It made us who we are today. We were taught not to be afraid of creepy crawlies, snakes, etc, but to have a healthy respect for all creatures ~ but best not touch in case it was poisonous or dangerous.

Us kids had a fantastic childhood because we were allowed to play, get muddy, have genuine fun.

I can understand your concerns regarding your grandchildren but, as other folk on here have said, let them be allowed to enjoy their childhood. Bumps, scrapes and bruises are part of learning what they are able or not able to do in various conditions. Support your son and DIL in their decision in allowing their children to play in the way they want to. And in need, provided a kiss, cuddle and a the occasional plaster.

Children playing in the playground in the dark. How exciting for them and I guess they weren’t seriously hurt. That just sounds like a fun outing and chance for the adults to have a chat in an allowed situation. It gets dark soon after 3 at the moment, you can’t expect small children not to have any exercise after that time. I would praise the parents for getting the children outdoors not criticising them.

If you google 'do we become more cautious as we age' you will find lots of explanations for this!

I would definitely not say anything.

Helicopter parenting is the term for those who hover around their children, interrupting their play with health and safety warnings.

Accidents happen, usually just as you arrive on holiday!
We've seen the insides of one or two A&E, both here and overseas.

My DC must take after their mother.
I think one or two of the DGC do too.

In the event that the children were injured enough to require medical attention they would both have been referred to Social Services.

No, they wouldn't, not in a first instance.

First rule for grandmothers (and grandfathers):

Never comment adversely on how the grandchildren are being brought up.

Second rule:

Never offer advice unless it has been asked for.

Third rule: ( applies to everyone in all situations)

Keep mouth firmly closed, unless you have something nice to say.

They probably let them take risks and fall in that situation because these days playgrounds are made relatively safe by special surfaces etc. The idea might be that if they hurt themselves slightly by falling in a safe controlled environment they will behave more safely when they find themselves in a more dangerous situation.

The other evening my daughter was telling her 8 year old to stop running as the pavement was wet and slippery. Of course she was ignored. Next thing my granddaughter had a horrible fall, her two knees hitting the sill of the car. My heart broke for her. She really hurt herself. Later my daughter said I should be proud of her as she never uttered the words I told you so!

Are with Jane! A 2 year old is unlikely to remember that doing a particular activity is going to hurt or cause injury are they??? And a 4 year old might not recall it either, so I don't agree that they should have been left to 'get on with it' and learn from mistakes and mishaps.

In the event that the children were injured enough to require medical attention they would both have been referred to Social Services.

The son is also responsible for these children so quite why the OP holds DIL accountable is a mystery.

I feel children nowadays are not allowed to take "risks" when playing. A the sift play areas allow them from a very early age to climb,slide etc with no risk unlike if they were outside. Where I live, on the very edge of a woodland park there are never any children climbing trees, paddling/playing with the tiny river or even just running about in the woodland. Years ago I suggested her 8 year old son could go to play there with friends and she almost stopped breathing expressing her fear of child molesters. So it was back to monotonously riding a bike around two small streets for the kids. No wonder kids are stuck on screens. Did the mishap stop your GC from playing or did they get back up and go on playing? Keep your concerns to yourself; us GPs are probably more protective now than we were as parents.

I have always been rather cautious with my young GCs as I have worked in A&E. They now delight in telling me about risky places they have been with their parents “Ooh grandma, it was just like a DEATH TRAP!”

They have to have tumbles to teach them to take care

I fell off a zip wire when I was 70.
I never did learn.

They have to have tumbles to teach them to take care

I fell off a zipwire when I was 70.
I never did learn.

Children learn their capabilities by doing things. Think back to when you were young and the playgrounds we had with hard ground. They were so much fun and we didn't get hurt. You can't wrap children in cotton wool.

As I said 4 and 2. Pretty irresponsible to let such small children 'learn about bumps and scrapes'.

I have to admit yes they have to learn but it depends on what is deemed as dangerous, I wouldn’t allow any of my children to climb over the back of furniture not because of danger either, because a sofa is not a plaything,

My dad is like this, I have tried to parent in a different way, I think not allowing children to take risks and learn to manage risks is more damaging than a grazed knee.

I think it is natural to be more cautious with our Grandchildren, best to look away if you are out with your daughter-in-law.
But if you are left in charge of them ,then your safer rules should apply ( if only for your own peace of mind)Best wishes