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 sta

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