Toddler Playground Training

Early inculcation of proper playground etiquette is the first line of defense for parents with toddlers and young children. A child with a good set of playground values is indeed less likely to hurt him or herself or others.

"It is important to build safe habits in your children as soon as you begin visiting the playground," according to eHow.com's Todd Bowerman. "Good habits keep your kids safe and make your trips less stressful."

The writer lists four points to teach youngsters about how to make the most of the playground experience.

First on the agenda is communication. Prior to going to the playground, toddlers should be walked through the motions of using playground equipment as well as how they should interact with other children. Emphasize that pushing and shoving are never acceptable and taking turns is the way to do it. Parents should repeat these instructions often.

Clear ground rules are also essential. Set specific boundaries pertaining to equipment you don't want the child to use or areas of the playground he or she is not permitted. Make sure the toddler has a well-defined play area.

Once the Child has been properly prepped, the first trip to the playground needs to involve mom and/or dad physically demonstrating equipment use.

"For instance, slide down a slide with her to build her confidence, show her the proper way to sit on a swing and hold on to the chains or how to correctly and safely mount a rocking horse," Bowerman advised. "Remind her to let moving equipment stop before getting on or off."

Correcting mistakes immediately is also key. Upon spotting a toddler's mistake, go up to him or her and offer a gentle reminder of the playground rules.

Toddler Playground Safety

Because of their smaller stature, toddlers face a greater number of potential hazards at the playground. A little foresight goes a long way -- parents and guardians with a sharp eye for dangerous situations will be able to prevent problems before they occur and choose the safest place for little ones to play. The no. 1 safety concern for any play area is the surfacing. If it's hard, rough or slippery, it's time to look for another playground. Rubber is best, followed by wood chips and gravel. Jaipi Sixbear, a writer for Yahoo.com's Associated Content, observed that a lack of toddler scale playground equipment is often "a hidden safety issue”. "Some toddlers may be able to handle the climb up the big slide ladder," Sixbear wrote. "What if they slip and fall from that height? While this is no problem for older kids, it could cause a serious or fatal injury for toddlers. Be sure the playground you choose has toddler scale equipment." She also w...

Thinking "Green"

Environmentally friendly playgrounds are becoming increasingly popular and prominent. As the "green" label has become a standard line in marketing throughout all kinds of business sectors, the same is evident among playground equipment manufacturers. A few examples of more sustainable playground elements include recycled tires in safety surfacing, recycled plastic benches and playground equipment recycling programs. Another common practice in recent years has been replacing asphalt surfaces with grass and natural surroundings. "There are plenty of new opportunities to transform decaying asphalt playgrounds or vacant lots into natural play areas," Richard Louv, author of “Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder” wrote in a 2007 New York Times opinion article. "Researchers at the University of Illinois, exploring people’s relationship to nature, have discovered that green outdoor spaces relieve the symptoms of attention defic...

Children's Hospitals Promoting Safe Play

Children's hospitals around the country are promoting safe play, according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. A report published in January titled "Injury Prevention on Playgrounds, at Home and in the Neighborhood" notes endeavors by hospitals in several states. The foundation's Injury Free Coalition for Kids is the spearhead for raising awareness about safe play at children's hospitals and within the broader community. "More than half of the Injury Free coalitions built playgrounds, typically with plastic or rubber materials, a soft ground covering and other features to prevent injuries," the report states. "The purpose -- and impact -- of the playground projects went beyond just providing safe places for children to play. ... By bringing neighborhood residents into the planning and construction process, the Injury Free teams were also building community." The Comer's Children Hospital at the University of Chicago built two play...

Wyatt Underwood on "The Safe Child Campaign"

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