The Playground: have you ever felt like some etiquette rules were needed? I promise I’m not trying to be judgy. I totally understand, agree and even support the idea that kids will be kids and therefore will sometimes scream, throw a fit, or disobey the rules. That being said, there are still some simple playground etiquette rules that can be followed to make playtime fun for everyone.
1. Screaming should be off limits in indoor play places. Seriously, I get it. We all want to sit and ignore our kids for 5 seconds while they are reasonably contained sometimes…but when their repetitive ear piercing screams start echoing throughout the playroom like they are trying to yodel to the next tower in middle earth…it’s time to say “hey there spawn of my flesh, it’s kind of not cool when we are indoors to try to make everyone’s eardrums bleed.” I don’t expect playing children to be quiet, or even never scream…but when it happens, the polite thing is to ask them to stop, and remind them it’s not polite to the other patrons. ?
2. Don’t block the slide. I know I might get some flack for this one, but it comes down to safety. Playgrounds are for playing and exploring, building muscles and burning energy. I absolutely do NOT care if mine or anyone else’s children are climbing the slide…until there is a line of children waiting to go down and the child climbing up refuses to move…which often leads to kids sliding down anyways, and either smashing into them like some human game of bowling, or a strange and dangerous form of leapfrog ensues…either way, it can end badly. Let’s remind kiddos that if someone wants to slide down, they should maybe take turns or talk about a way they can play so everyone can have fun and play safe.
3. I’m not your nanny. Listen, I get how fast a child can slip out of your site {I mean, I DO have six kids.} I also understand that sometimes you have to take a phone call or change a diaper. However, if you need to run a child to the bathroom, or will be otherwise distracted for a long stretch of time, at least ask if I mind watching your pre-schooler. I won’t ever let harm come to a child if I can help it, even if no one asks me to keep an eye out, but it’s much more polite to ask. Most Mom’s I know wouldn’t mind, sometimes it’s ok to call on that #momtribe.
4. Mind the babies. I know some people think bigger kids shouldn’t play on the playground or in the play place at all. I think it can be wonderful to have them there though IF they follow a few simple guidelines. Watch out for the little ones…never shove past them, or do something to cause them to become off balance and fall. Don’t cut in front of younger kids in line {but this kind of goes out the window if you have the three-year-old who climbs to the tippy top of the big kids slide and decides upon arrival that they are not going down and the only way they are climbing back down is if you go and get them. ?}. Help the littles! If you see one struggling to safely climb, or needing a push on the swing, jump on in and lend a helping hand! Be respectful of the equipment. Most playground equipment is pretty sturdy, but if something is very obviously for someone much smaller and using it will damage it, then choose to be kind and play with something else.
I think following etiquette guidelines can help create a fun, safe, stress-free playground or play place experience for both parents and kids, and isn’t that what we’d all like? ?
Do you have any other etiquette tips to share?
Have you had an “interesting” playground experience? I’d love to connect with you in the comments!
