Is Your Child Ready for the Playground and Swingset Area?
The playground is a complex place. With behavioral expectations and interesting interpersonal dynamics at work, assimilation to a playground environment may prove challenging for a youngster - just as challenging as adapting to a new place of work or residence is for adults. Before you let the little ones roam free in the land of the swingset and monkey bars, there are a few things to consider.
It’s Not Their World Anymore
Whether they like it or not, playground rules are decided by adults, not children - and there are a lot of things to consider when sharing a play area with lots of different kids. It might not be easy for your child to take in safety and conduct rules all at once, so prepare them in advance. Teach them safety at home, and show them how to play fair. Once they hit the playground, children should understand there are others just like them looking to have a good time, and they will have to be patient when it comes to taking turns and resolving disputes. Explain to your children that yelling at other children if something doesn't go their way is not the right thing to do, and that everyone on the playground deserves respect and fairness. Teach your child a few simple ways to resolve conflicts, and you will be preparing them for success in life, as well as on the playground.
Racial Diversity
When it comes to understanding racial identity, the early years are an important time in your child’s development. Try to show your child that different cultures are interesting, valuable, and exciting. You can do this by making contextual connections between the children they interact with and the cultural contributions of the other child's race. Your child may have many questions about children of other races, and while it can be difficult to come up with proper answers, it is important to answer any and all questions with an accepting, calm, and loving attitude.
Playing Nice
Before you send them off to play on the swing set, make sure your child is ready to have a good time and is open to learning. Try to introduce your child to as many other children as possible, and engage him or her in as many different activities as you can. The earlier your children are exposed to new situations and forced to adapt, the sooner they realize the world is made up of many people, and we all must do our part to get along. |
