Part of the joy of parenthood is celebrating your child's achievements.

At the playground, some of these achievements and adolescent activities can be downright scary. I believe in the personal health and wellness benefits of physical play, yet I often bite my nails as I watch my child climb, explore and toddle around at our neighborhood playground.

I am a mom who has climbed with my child on many playground structures. I want to encourage my daughter to explore on her own and feel secure at the same time, so I pay attention to playground safety. 

Children and Fitness: Benefits of Physical Play

Studies have shown that American children today are less active than ever before and their personal health and wellness suffers for it. In fact, medical experts say more American children than ever are overweight. Television, computers and video games are all adolescent activities that compete for our children's attention.

As a parent, you have the perfect chance to encourage a love of the outdoors and physical play at an early age -- just click off the TV and get moving!

An outing to the park or playground is a great way to spend quality time with your child. Using playground equipment can improve your child's coordination, balance and motor skills. It can even improve her strength and endurance.

You can also turn a playground outing into a nature walk, as you and your child explore the areas around the playground. Search for acorns, bird's nests, leaves or even bugs! This should get you and your child talking. It will also foster an appreciation for nature and create some great memories, too! 

Teach Kids Manners to Keep Them Safe

Playgrounds are more fun when children know how to act responsibly and safely, so teach your child some ground rules for playing it safe at the playground. (No pushing at any time!) If your child likes to jump off the play structures, make sure he checks first to see that no other children are in the way.

Teach your child how to take turns, waiting patiently to use slides, swings or other equipment already in use by other children. These little lessons will not only keep your child safe, but also encourage cooperation and caring for others as he learns important social skills.

Teaching your child appropriate behavior at an early age will help keep your child--and others -- safe at the playground. Most importantly, these guidelines will help make outdoor play more fun for everyone. No matter how well children behave on the playground, however, parents still need to be on the lookout for other danger signs. 

Healthy Fitness Needs a Safe Environment

Did you know that playground injuries result in more than 200,000 hospital Emergency Room visits each year? To reduce the risk of accidents and injury, check to see if the playground and equipment are in good condition with safe surfaces and age-related equipment.

  • Play areas for smaller children should be separate from the play areas for older children. 
  • Generally, children younger than 5 years of age should not play on equipment that is taller than 4 feet. 
  • Surfaces such as wood chips, rubber or rubber-like materials, mulch, or sand are the best because they provide a better cushion for potential falls. This reduces the risk of skinned knees and broken bones. Surfaces such as concrete, blacktop, grass and packed earth do not absorb the shock of falls. 
  • Make sure the area contains no sharp objects or debris such as broken glass. 
  • If you notice playground equipment showing signs of weakening, wear or rust, report damages to your city's Parks and Recreation Department. 
  • No matter how safe or modern the playground facilities are, nothing can take the place of proper adult supervision. Be sure the play area has a clear, unblocked view so that you can keep an eye on your child at all times.

 

Jennifer Hansen is a mom and freelance writer in Apollo Beach, Florida.