Children’s playgrounds are every parent’s blessing. They were invented to give parent’s a little rest out in the fresh air, to meet up with and make new friends, to give you a little respite from the day-to-day, to tire out your kids so they sleep more. That’s why they were invented.
You might think they are there for the benefit of children? Well, OK, I’ll admit. They are a great place for children to play, to test themselves, to try out new skills, to solve problems, to show off a little, to interact with other children, to learn to cooperate, to share and share-alike, to make new games, to use playground equipment in ways that had never been imagined before, to assess their own growth levels … and so many other benefits too. A good playground is a great place for a child to learn, play, and develop.
But, bearing in mind that in the USA, more than 200,000 children ages 14 years and younger seek medical care for playground injuries every year, how can you help your children play safely?
How to Keep Your Kids Safe on the Playground
1. Choosing the Playground
You can’t always choose the playground where your children like to play the most, but take a sensible approach. Try to steer them away from the ones without a soft surface, or the ones that are regularly littered with broken glass or animal droppings. Stay away from sandpits.
Many larger play areas also offer separated sections which group equipment by the appropriate age range for your children. They learn to handle a short slide before a giant slide with twists!
If you have children crossing the age groups, a well-organized playground offers you the scope to keep an eye on your older kids while staying close to your younger ones.
2. Supervise your Children
We all know you’re here for a break! But don’t get engrossed in your smartphone – it sets a bad example. By getting close to your children, not only are you able to keep an eye on them and help out if they get into a tricky situation, but you’ll be around when they try a new move or experience a thrill of achievement for the first time.
Oh, and you don’t have to capture it all on your phone either! Put it away. Just make sure your child plays safe and comes back another day.
3. Choosing the Right Equipment
You can usually tell which piece of equipment is popular and works well with the number of kids milling around, waiting (or fighting) for a turn. But take a few precautions yourself to check them out. Look out for faulty equipment and steer kids away. Look out for dangerous debris and get rid of it to a safe place. In summer, you may need to check the temperature of some equipment to ensure it won’t burn the skin. Be aware of what other parents are warning their kids about as well.
4. Don’t Over-Protect
You want to know your children are safe while they’re playing. However, don’t forget you’ve already chosen a suitable playground. Let them get on with it. Let them explore their limits. That’s why they’re here: to bring out their inner super-hero.
But don’t neglect them. Keep an eye out. Listen for them calling you to show off or even for a rapid rescue from an awkward situation. Just think about how capable they are this time than they were last time they tried that maneuver.
5. Clothing Choice
A playground is not just for summer. They can be enjoyed in all weather provided you all have the right clothing. But the clothing has to be suitable for energetic play. It’s a big temptation to bring your favorite toys to the park, but avoid bringing things that are precious. You don’t want them broken or lost. Also, avoid dangly scarfs or necklaces that might get in the way when clambering around.
And footwear …. No flip-flops. Not exactly sensible shoes all the time, but make sure your children are wearing shoes that give them a safe platform to play.
The Real Reason you are there?
Your kids will enjoy their time on the playground so much that only the promise of ice cream will drag them away. Make sure you bring the cash! We all know that’s what parents are really there for – to buy things!
robin rue says
My kids are older now, but I always watched them like hawks when we went to the park. It drives me nuts when parents don’t supervise their kids.
Alli says
I’m always shocked at the parents who don’t supervise their children on the playground. So I keep an eye out for my grandkids and all the rest of the kids who aren’t being supervised. 🙂
Amber says
Yeah, I watch my kids when they are out, but I’m not a helicopter parent. I sit on a bench and hope for the best!
Jeanette says
We have not been to a park in quite a while usually because it’s a little too hot here to go. In the winter time we go quite a bit. I love having my kiddo run off all his energy. The park is the best way to do that and it makes their imaginations go.
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
Playgrounds can be so dangerous. These are really great ways to keep kids safe!
Lisa Favre says
I couldn’t agree more with equipment choice. There are just some things that are not age-appropriate for the youngings… in most of the parks I go to, they’ve completely taken away traditional see-saws because they are so dangerous!
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
These are smart tips for parents. With a 4 and 6 year old, we go to the playground very often. I always supervise my children, staying close in case they need help!
Heather @ Kraus House Mom says
I used to hate when the older kids were on the toddler playground. Now if my kids go near the toddler area, they get an earful.
Susan says
Super info on playgrounds. Thanks
Pam says
Playing at the playground is a great way to burn off energy for kids. My kids used to love going to the playground, but I always tried to make sure they played safe.
Mellissa says
My kiddo is 13 now, but last year we were at the park with some younger cousins and these tips would be helpful for me. I almost injured myself. lol
Dana says
Oh my gosh – I am glad you didn’t get hurt, Mellissa!!
Franc Ramon says
Kids should really spend more time in the playground and let them get dirty and even get hurt at times. We should just supervise them to ensure that they are safe.
My Teen Guide says
It is our responsibility as parents to make sure that the places our kids play in are safe. Close supervision is a must. My kids are older now and going to play grounds are no longer in our list of activities. But when they were younger, I watched them like I was Godzilla reincarnated.
Anosa says
I hate taking my son to the park, have to be honest! I am always bored out of my mind, too cold or in the summer too hot. Theres always that one kid that bullies and pushes other kids of the way or won’t let them on something and when the time comes to leave there are tantrums, I just hate going. I realise this makes me a terrible person but if I could go wit other people to chat with and have a drink and an ice cream maybe it wouldn’t be so bad but round here people just don’t do that (huff). Definitely agree with the clothing, so many girls in beautiful dresses that slip off things because they stood on their dress.
Ricci says
I love taking my nieces and nephews to the park! It’s crazy how just doing something so simple like taking them to the park can make them so happy!!
Nikki says
I used to take my son to two different parks. One was huge and had different sections divided into age groups, which was nice. The other was this teeny little playground on a back road that no one knew about. It was perfect for when he just wanted to climb and slide without waiting on 100 other kids. I think the clothing tip is super important and one that parents often don’t think about. Dangling clothes can become a huge hazard on a swing or merry go round!
Amanda says
I’m a bit in between being a helicopter parent and a free range parent. I feel like playgrounds are the perfect spot for kids to explore and problem solve, so I stay out of the way but always keep a close eye just in case.
Dana says
Yes, it’s like that “one eye on the kid” while talking to the other moms 🙂
Kita Bryant says
The playground can be scary. The neighborhood the park is in makes a huge difference.
kisa Johnson says
I loved getting to play at the playground as a kid, my parents didn’t hover and I have great memories of just getting to play a be a kid.
I’m a bit more free range, I watch, but I don’t want to be right.there.no.matter.what so the kids feel like they’ve got no room to be their own person and have fun.
Dana says
I like your way of thinking Kisa! I’m not a helicopter mama either. I want the kids to have freedom, but always have an eye on them – from afar!