The playground can be an unsafe place for a toddler to play as their is no control over what the other children around you are going to behave. What you can control is not only how your children will behave, but also increasing the safety of your child while at the playground.
Two of the major dangers on a playground, other then falling off of the playground equipment are the swings and the slides. This is because of the amount of speed and the lack of control while they are in use. The accidents that can be caused from playground equipment range from mild to severe, but with a little bit of education to help prevent accidents.
Beginning with playing on the swings, teach your toddler never to twist a swing or push an empty swing. You also want to work on how we are not to share a swing with anyone because swings are only made for one person. Lastly, teach your child not to walk behind or in front of the swing because the person in the swing can hit them when they are walking by.
Playing on the slides are fun, but with a little teaching you are make it safe too. Remind your child that slide are just for going down and not going up. Explain that if they go up while another child is coming down then they will get hit or pushed off. Make sure they know not to go head first as well, this will prevent them from getting a head injury from an injure. Lastly, further teach your child to wait until all people are off the slide before they go down the slide so they don’t hit anyone at the bottom. When they reach the bottom, they should move immediately and not play at the bottom so the next child in line doesn’t hit them.
Other areas of safety concern when on the playground is not walking to close to the edge of the walkways on the playground and using the hand rails if necessary. Depending on your unique playground equipment, you will also be able to show them what areas are safe to run in and what areas are not safe to run in.
The above tips will help to increase the safety and adventure of a playground experience with your child. Having fun is what goign to the playground is all about, so remember not to go to far overboard and eliminate the fun from the trip. On the other hand, teaching your child the important safety rules of the playground will keep them safe at the same time.
