By Jamell Williams
For both parents and children, there is something magical
about a playground. It gives the child an opportunity to play freely in a safe
outdoor environment and to interact with other kids, and it gives parents the
chance to sit back and relax in the fresh air while the child plays. But of
course, while many children thrive when given the chance to play an area
designated for them, no playground is completely safe. There are things to fall
off of and things to bump into, and there can even be sharp edges. Parents do
not have to hover over their children at the playground, but it is a good idea
to be aware of the safety issues and to train the child in basic safety.
Balancing safety and fun
Many playgrounds built in the 21st century are designed with
safety in mind. Many have padded floors, avoid high heights, and provide
special areas for very young children. But there are plenty of older
playgrounds still in use, and with these in particular it is important for
parents to be vigilant. This does not mean that you have to entirely avoid
certain playgrounds, but try to be aware of the potential safety risks of the
playgrounds in your area, and direct your child away from the areas that are
risky.
You do not have to do this alone. In fact, visiting
playgrounds can be a great opportunity to begin teaching your child about
safety precautions. This does not have to ruin the fun. When introducing your
child to the world of playgrounds, discuss the rules of the playground and make
sure he or she is aware that some activities are unsafe. Also make sure your
child knows that you are watching.
Children are natural explorers and experimenters, and it is
only natural for a child to try things on the playground that may be unsafe. At
these moments, it is important for the parent to step in and let the child know
that the activity is unsafe. Some young children might not react well to this
instruction, but when it comes to safety, it is imperative for parents to set clear
boundaries.
Safe playgrounds
For some parents, finding a safe, modern playground is easy.
But for others, the options may be slim. But no matter what playgrounds are in
your area, try to narrow down your choices to the safest two or three options,
and visit those playgrounds regularly. If you are not sure what to look for,
here are some things to keep in mind:
· Spacing: There should be a decent amount of space between pieces of playground equipment so that children do not collide with each other.
· Dangerous pinch points: Check for points in playground equipment where a child can get pinched or where body parts can get caught.
· Safe confines: Make sure the playground is secure, so that children cannot run out into surrounding traffic.
Also, especially for parents of young children, it is a good
idea to find playgrounds that have multiple sections for children of different
ages so that your children can play in age-appropriate areas. There is no
reason why a two-year-old, for instance, should play on slides, wings, and
structures built for children much older. Try to find a playground that has a
designated area for younger children, with lower play equipment and special features
for young children who may not be fully comfortable with how to play.
Teaching safety
Children can find all sorts of creative ways to use
playground equipment, and watching them use their creativity is one of the
great joys of being a parent. But of course, it must be done safely. If your
child gets a special kick out of swinging, for example, it is important to make
sure that he does not let this joy make him do unsafe things. Most playground
equipment is designed with specific purposes in mind. Your child does not
necessarily have to be completely normal in the way he uses equipment, but he
must keep his activity safe. So when he behaves improperly, be sure to let him
know
Kids generally understand the idea of safety, and when
parents set clear limits, kids are usually comfortable staying within them.
Make sure your child knows that playing on the playground
is a privilege that has to be earned and maintained. If he or she cannot act
within the bounds of safety, then it is perfectly reasonable that they should
be deprived of playground rights. As parents, our first job is to keep our
children safe, and this sometimes requires us to be a little mean for our
children’s benefit. So if it becomes necessary for you to set boundaries until
your child can learn to be safe, do not be afraid to do so.
Jamell Andrews is an accomplished writer who believes in the
power of homeopathic
medicine. She is a regular contributor to the Parenting Journals.
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