A Pig's Tales
That's a tough situation to be in (with the other playgroup mom). Some parents lack of discipline completely amazes me. Of course, I'm sure I need to work on mine with Annabelle a bit too, but I cannot believe she just ignored what her son had done and especially after Piglet had gotten upset. And, yes, that was VERY mature for a 3 year old to tell him chalk is for sidewalks! Maybe put a call into the moms (and kids) that you actually like and spend one on one time with just them and their kids? Piglet's a cutie! What a precious smile!
For the playgroup, I say mutiny. See if other parents feel the same. If so, just start meeting without her. You say she runs the group, but what does she actually do? If you rotate who hosts it and meet regularly anyway...
of course, I'm not a parent and am currently feeling pirate-y, so I may not have the best advice. 
Yeah, I have no idea if the other parents feel that way because a lot of them now have kids younger than hers, so Piglet's more of a target, I guess because he's right between the ages of her two boys. And, she really does run it - it's a Meet Up group. I have contacted a couple of people I met yesterday to see if they'd like to do something sometime.
I would do as others suggest and call people/e-mail people for one on one meetings. Get a feel for what they think and maybe arrange a more private playgroup without the woman. Or maybe ask them if they are in any other playgroups--maybe they are in MOPS or MOMS Club and could give you the hook-up there. I don't know about MOPS, but that lady would be OUT of MOMS Club right quick, if the board was following the guidelines.
I'm proud of Piglet for his mature response! He is getting so big and grown-up. What a cutie.
Awe, Piglet's growing up! He looks like a little man..
Maybe you should start your own super secret play group and invite all the other mothers except her.
I agree with all the other comments about one-on-one playgroups or possibly starting your own mini-group. Maybe you could find another group out there somewhere. Surely there is more than one playgroup in your area.
You could always confront her privately about your concerns, but that is never easy.
Poor Piglet. He is acting so grown up!! It sure brings out the Mama Bear in us when other kids mess with our cubs huh? Would make me want to take chalk and go draw on her car. Grrrrrr.
Yeah, I'm in MOMS Club and that's my "main" playgroup, but this one I really have met some nice people through, so I hate to ditch it.
good luck....you might consider emailing her about it, maybe she'd be receptive to at least watching him more closely. i am all for kids working it out, but sounds like he's getting physical and i think you have reason to address it w/ her. 
large playgroups are so hard. ours kept going until KG started. it was fun to see the other moms each week, but geez it was chaos.
ps..can't believe you spent that much money on glasses. so unlike you.
ditto to smaller get togethers or one on ones. Im also not adverse to parenting the other children if need be. but my guess is that wouldnt go over well here. I'd be looking for other groups if the smaller ones dont pan out.
the photos are adorable
Janessa-
I wouldn't pay it if I didn't have to! My lenses are the expensive part...the frames were only like $75 or something!
I have a two year old son. When I have been in similar situations, I coach my son, in front of the parent, "if you don't like that tell him, no". If the parent's still don't step up I have been known to redirect their kid or scoop up my kid and leave in a huff. Addressing someone's parenting issues is a sticky situation. Good luck.
I have been known to correct other people's children right in front of them. I can't help it, I mother everyone, and other people's children in my direct vicinity certainly qualifies.
And then, if she takes issue with that, then just say something like: 'Well, YOU certainly have no problem with your kid beating up on mine, nor do you look like you're going to do anything about it, but I DO have a problem with it and WILL correct him.'
But you have to get over the 'genteel-southerness' you were born with and turn into a Mama Bear.
YOU CAN DO IT!!! Treat him like one of your students in school, who you would have NO PROBLEM correcting in front of their parents.
And I'm sure the other mother's will thank you for it.
He's such a handsome little man! As for the playgroup, I agree you should tell the other mom that you want her to watch Alexander more closely if you can get your nerve up. It's not doing him any favors to let her ignore his bad behavior.
My son spent his entire pre-school career coming home from his day having only played and had lunch and snack. When we asked what he did he would say "just play all the time." I think that is what they want the kids to think--that they're playing, but they're actually learning through play, if it makes you feel any better about the money you're shelling out each week!
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