A playground, whether at a school or a neighborhood park, is a childhood staple where kids can burn off energy, enjoy the fresh air, and simply have a good time. But playgrounds present an opportunity for more than just fun. They are also a place where small children start to develop and grow their social skills as they meet and play with other children. While at the playground, they can practice patience and self-control and improve their communication skills.
Despite the positive benefits that come from playground activities, negative behaviors from other children and even adults can disrupt the happy and playful atmosphere. It's up to the adults to understand, follow, and teach their children proper playground etiquette so that everyone can have an enjoyable and memorable time.
Children at play are often excited and living in the moment. As a result, they can easily become overzealous, which may lead to pushing, cutting in front of other children, or taking more turns on the equipment than they should. This type of behavior will often lead to tears and anger from other youngsters who've been waiting for their turn. If shoving is involved, unacceptable behavior may even result in injury.
A parent never wants to raise their voice or discipline another person's child. Instead, one should encourage turn-taking and discourage unruly behavior by explaining to everyone how much more fun it would be if all children could safely play. It's important not to single out a specific child or to chastise them for their actions. If a blanket statement doesn't work or if the child's actions seem deliberate, it's time to approach their parent. Make them aware of the situation without making them feel that they or their child are being attacked.
It's important that parents monitor the safety of both their and other children on the playground. This includes checking the playground equipment for any damage, being aware of loitering strangers, and keeping a lookout for children who are wandering into isolated parts of the park.
While children are playing, it's important that parents make sure they are using the equipment properly and safely at all times. Behavior that may lead to injury includes standing on swings, walking up slides, or going down them incorrectly. Pushing or shoving one another and throwing objects, such as rocks or sand, is also unsafe behavior to watch out for.
When playground conflicts happen, a parent's first instinct is to step in and intervene. Despite that instinct, it is often best to allow children to resolve minor squabbles on their own. This teaches them a valuable lesson in conflict resolution that they'll need as they grow older.
Good playground etiquette, however, requires parental intervention when situations are more than just minor bickering. To de-escalate a dispute between two children, move them away from one another until they can calm down. Encourage both to identify and express what they are feeling and why. The adult should encourage the children to talk it out and discourage any name-calling or negative behavior. When the children have calmed down, an adult can help guide them toward a middle ground that will satisfy them both.
Always inform parents if their child is doing something that may cause them harm, even if the parent or child is a stranger. It is also important to communicate concerns if a parent is unknowingly putting their child at risk. An example would be a parent allowing a younger child to use equipment meant for older children. While there is a risk of angering the parent if they feel their parenting skills are being questioned, it's more important to prevent a potential injury from happening. When warning the parent, it's best to do so in a way that's informational rather than judgmental or confrontational.
Kids are kids, and when they play together, there are bound to be hurt feelings or some other form of upset. To maintain a peaceful playground and teach kids a valuable lesson, the parent of the offending child should offer an apology for their child's behavior. The parent, however, isn't the only one who needs to offer an apology. It's also important that kids understand why their behavior was wrong and say that they are sorry for their own actions.
While sharing is an excellent trait, it isn't always the best thing to do with other people's children, at least not without the parent's permission. The parent of one child should never overstep and assume what is and is not acceptable when it comes to someone else's child. This is particularly true when it comes to food. Often, parents may have rules about their children accepting food or anything from strangers. Some children may also have dietary restrictions or food allergies. For that reason, the best thing that a parent can do is to always ask before sharing or giving anything to children who are playing at the park.
Find more about the author: Kim Hart
