I wanted to share 5 important rules to follow when you are at a playground or park with children. As a parent or caregiver, it is important that we keep our children safe at all times. I think we all put our guards down at times so here are a few reminders.
1. Use the playground equipment properly. For example, slides are for sliding down on your bottom not walking up. I know it’s fun to use equipment in different ways but it is not always safe. Remember to report any damaged equipment so that it can be removed or fixed.
2. Supervise your children at all times. I can’t even count how many times I’ve stopped a toddler from jumping off of the top of a jungle gym or a very tall slide. Meanwhile, their caregiver was on the phone or turned around having a conversation with someone else. I don’t mind looking out for other children but I can’t be everywhere at once. I’ve also seen a child go potty next to the playground and their parent never knew. I always think about the “what-ifs”. What if someone had abducted the kid? What if he got hurt or sick?
3. Share the equipment. Even though playgrounds are first come first serve I like to encourage my son to share. If he has been on a swing for 15 minutes and other kids want to swing I encourage him to try something else so that we can let others swing. We aren’t at home and the equipment is meant to be shared with the community.
4. Be polite and encourage your child to do the same. A playground can create some awesome teachable moments for caregivers and children. I know that kids will be kids but it is our job to show them a better way to communicate. “Excuse me.” or “Can I get by?” sounds a lot better than “Move out of my way.”
5. Keep it clean (the playground and your language). If we all do our part and clean up after ourselves we can keep our playgrounds nice and clean for the kids. I shouldn’t have to say this but PLEASE do not use profanity while you are at or near the playground.
Feel free to comment below and add some of the playground rules you feel are important.
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