October 10th, 2008 5 things to take to the playground Posted by Melitsa in Articles, play activities, Seasonal play, Thought of the week

Bubbles

Alternate who has them. When you have them you’ll find other children gravitate towards you and it helps to facilitate friendships. At our local park it’s always a little windy so  we get so many more bubbles for little effort- a big bonus for the Middle guy who’s learning to blow.

 Snack + drink

Bring something nutritious to keep up their energy and head off the, ” I’m hungry! Let’s go home”. Or worse food envy from the other parents with their snacks. Keeping hydrated is so important too.

Ball or Frisbee

Something that can be shared. Kicking a ball is no fun by yourself or with your sibling…again. But having a toy can be a great way to meet new friends at the playground.

Camera

This is a tricky one. I love taking pictures. But try very hard to take them just of my kids as many parents don’t like it. I get my camera out and make a big deal of it so parents who don’t want their child in the frame will either move away or say something. That’s fine by me. Catching those smiles and pure play excitement on camera is the best.

And one for the parents…………. your attention.

Catching up on email, voicemail, calling back folks and generally multitasking any of those things mean you are not 100% present.Going to the park has become to some like sitting the kids infront of TV , a way to get things done. Although this is a better solution than TV, it’s no fun having your parent there but not, head down typing.Nor is it fun hearing kids yelling constantly to get parents attention..

Plan more trips to the playground without the phone or laptop than with.

Join in and run around with your child like this family. Playgrounds are a lot of fun for both of you to connect with laughter and strong memories.

………forgot my camera as Big guy made it across the Monkey bars for the first time. I wish I had captured that expression of absolute surprise, delight and triumph. The inspiration for this post.

*What must haves do you swear by to take to the playground? *

** Don’t forget what you can win in the celebration contest open until Wednesday 29 Oct 2008. **

Other great playground posts

Pinpoint public playgrounds along your road trip route

Save grungy socks for indoor playgrounds

Upper playgrounds

Playground at Kew Gardens, London

Melitsa Avila is a former teacher, mother of three boys and military wife who talks about living an intentional play lifestyle using practical and everyday play activities to do with the under 5s. She publishes related ebooks & newsletters. Melitsa is the host and producer of a weekly Early Childhood radio show: Raising Playful Tots bringing parents and carers together with Early childhood practitioners. Thanks for reading!

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