What's a script for an anxious parent asking for help at the splash pad?

Anxious parents often pre-rehearse asks until they're long, apologetic, and easy to refuse. The fix is a simple specific script. To a friend you came with: 'I need to step away for 10 minutes — can you keep eyes on [kid]?' To another parent you've talked to once: 'Could you watch my kid for 5 minutes while I run to the bathroom? Her name is [name] and she's the one in the orange suit.' Specific time, specific kid, specific request. Don't over-explain. Don't apologize twice. Most parents say yes — splash pad culture in 2026 is collaborative. If you can't bring yourself to ask a stranger yet, ask a friend to come with you next time so you build the muscle in safer reps. If asking generally feels impossible, that's worth therapy attention; many anxiety patterns include a deep aversion to receiving help. You are not a burden for needing 5 minutes; you are a parent doing parent work.