It’s wonderful to get out to the playground on sunny days –
get some natural vitamin D and a little exercise. It’s a great time for kids to
meet other neighborhood kids and test their friendship skills.

Did you know that learning to get along on the playground
helps build a foundation for lifelong manners?

Does your kid push or shove to get ahead on the slide or in
the tunnel? The playground offers many
teachable moments for taking turns and being nice. If you have an older child,
explain to them how easily younger children can get hurt, and suggest they keep
an eye out for their younger friends. Older kids can grasp the concept of size,
and readily understanding they are physically bigger than younger kids. Older
kids also love to play grown-up to someone smaller. If you have a smaller,
younger child, let them know to watch out for the older, bigger kids when
playing on equipment. Introduce them if you get a chance. Kids play nicer when
they are introduced to each other.

Make sure your kids are playing on the age appropriate play
areas. A three year old child does not belong on the ropes or the bars rated
for older children, especially without supervision! It’s not even recommended for littler ones to
stand near equipment rated for older ages, as older children may be running and
not notice a smaller one standing nearby. Although most playgrounds are
integrated for children of all ages and sizes, toddlers can get hurt when, for
example, an 8 year olds get excited and comes running too fast for a small
child to get out of the way. Again, older children may have been asked to
watch, but that does not always happen. Try to find a playground or play area
that is safe for your little ones. They will be much safer and enjoy the outing
much more.

Appropriate dress: There are several clothing factors to
consider when bringing your child to the playground. Cool, breezy days call for
long sleeves or jackets. However it’s important jacket and hoodie attire fit
well, and not have drawstrings or long sleeves or baggy pants, all of which
could get caught in equipment and cause injury or worse! Dresses are adorable,
but shorts and pants are more appropriate when hanging upside down on monkey
bars. Shirts for both boys and girls, which stay put and don’t bind, keeps your
little one safer. Also, be aware how some metal equipment can get very hot on
sunny days, potentially causing major burns or blisters to exposed skin. Always
check metal slides, or any metal equipment, to ensure it’s a safe temperature
for little ones to use. Lastly, don’t forget the sunscreen, even on cloudy
days! The American Dermatology Association is so adamant about using sunscreen on your little ones while
playing outside, they offer annual shade grants such as the AAD Shade Structure Program.
The
AAD Shade Structure Grant Program awards grants of up to $8,000 to public
schools and non-profit organizations for installing permanent shade
structures for outdoor locations that are not protected from the sun, such as
playgrounds, pools or recreation spaces.

Drinks and snacks are a must! Children expend lots of energy
on the playground. It’s always a good idea to have water or juice handy,
especially when they play outside for any length of time. It might even be a good idea to keep a couple
extras for other kids who come running up and tell you they are also thirsty! Healthy snacks such as fruit or crackers can
also help when a child is suddenly very hungry.

Keeping a little first aid kit handy is a smart idea. You can
probably recall when you were at the playground and someone’s child skinned a
knee or an elbow. As moms or dads, we rummage through our bags or purses in
hopes of finding something to stop the bleeding. A little kit or bag containing
snacks, water or juice, can also carry some handy wipes, antibiotic cream and the
all important band-aid. They don’t take up much space and you’re always a hero
when you fix a boo-boo!

Parents must always UNPLUG. Yes,
it’s great to get a little break from lively kids at home, but it is ultimately
your responsibility – the caregiver – to watch your own children on the
playground. It’s just good manners. And little ones left to care for themselves
usually end up getting hurt. 

So, parents and caregivers, please put the phone down, enjoy
the sunshine and a special time with your kids! Watch over them carefully as they enjoy the
playground. Help them learn better manners by coaching them how to share play
spaces and equipment, as well as how to watch over little ones. Play with them
or guide them to safer, age-appropriate equipment designed just for them. You
want your kids to enjoy the day and look forward to coming back, not simply let
them loose and risk problems with other children or worse, an injury.

Contact us about safe and durable playground equipment in
your area.