Playground Etiquette Parents and Kids Should Know
It’s a good idea to be there for your child when they fall down at the park, but if you react by scolding or yelling at others around you, it can reflect poorly on your character. Avoid this behavior and the possibility of creating further problems by rehearsing essential playground etiquette parents and kids should know.
Avoid Bringing Food and Toys
Sharing is a learned behavior that takes time for kids to understand. Until they grasp the concept of sharing, kids will have a tendency to keep food and toys for themselves. When this happens, it might be an indication that you should pack minimal snacks and toys for your next trip to the park.
When playing with toys, your children may not want to share or engage with others. Understanding boundaries is a crucial lesson you should teach at home before allowing your children to take their favorite toys out in public.
Avoid bringing their favorite toys along until your child learns to share appropriately. Additionally, everyone should be aware that if another child doesn’t want to share their toys, it’s not okay to guilt them into sharing. To put it plainly, no means no.
Be Mindful of Your Child’s Abilities
Playground equipment varies widely from park to park. As you approach a playground, locate areas that are designed for your child’s abilities. For example, children five years old and older usually have the muscle coordination to climb on gear like monkey bars and rock walls. For their safety, ensure your children stick to play areas meant for their age groups and abilities; this also applies if there aren’t many inclusive areas available.
If a Play Area’s Closed, Don’t Enter
If a park’s play area is closed, don’t enter—this usually indicates that equipment is broken. When reports of damaged equipment start to come in, maintenance should immediately block the area with tape. It’s critical that you don’t allow your kids to play on any broken playground gear.
Checking playground equipment yourself is one of the many things to consider when at the park. You can do your part and inspect equipment before allowing your kids to play. Not only will you spot damage or wear right away, but you can prevent children from becoming injured.
Respect The Equipment
It’s imperative to be respectful of the playground. Explain to your children the correct way to use a slide and the appropriate way to sit in a swing. The equipment is intended for everyone; it’s not your private playground. Teaching playground etiquette to your kids will help keep them safe and make them aware of how to interact with others.
Your children will look for guidance while at the park, and it is your responsibility to teach them appropriate play area behaviors. The park is a wonderful community space where everyone can play and work together to understand playground manners.
