March 24th, 2017
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 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.
Playground safety also includes teaching children to be aware of their surroundings. Talk to your child about paying attention to where others are playing and running encourage them to look before they climb, swing, or slide to make sure the area is clear. This kind of awareness helps prevent common accidents like collisions or falls. As your child grows, you can expand on these lessons by teaching them to help younger kids and set a good example for others on the playground. These safety lessons not only help avoid injuries but also build responsibility and leadership skills that kids will care with them into other areas of life.
Contact us about safe and durable playgrounds in your area. Whether you're designing a community park, school jungle gym, or daycare play space, our team at Noah's Park & Playgrounds can help you choose age-appropriate, inclusive, and safety focused equipment that families will love. Let us help you create a play environment where kids of all ages and abilities can grow, explore, and thrive, while parents and caregivers feel confident in their safety.