Taking your children to an indoor fun park, AKA indoor playground, is one of the best ways to keep the kids active, right? After all, it’s a fantastic way to allow your children to have a good time and get more exercise in a shaded, air-conditioned environment.
However, sometimes going to the playground doesn’t turn out as expected. While the playground is a fantastic place for children to let off steam and make new friends, that trip can become less enjoyable if children and adults fail to observe proper playground manners.
And this gets you thinking, “Wouldn’t it be great if the playground had rules everyone can follow?”
Well, guess what! Below we’ll discuss some common playground etiquette issues that parents and children will encounter at parks and how to handle them.
Why Having Rules In An Indoor Play Area Is Necessary?
There are many advantages to following safety and playground rules. They clearly define acceptable behaviors. That means everyone will have to know what to do if the rules are clearly stated.
Moreover, having clear rules makes it simpler to remove someone from the playground for the sake of other children if they behave in a harmful or dangerous way. The rules are extremely clear, so no one can claim they didn’t know it beforehand.
Proper Etiquette Tips When Going To An Indoor Playground
- Monitor Your Kids
It’s estimated that over 40% of playground injuries are linked to inadequate supervision. Though adventure playgrounds have employees trained to keep an eye on kids, they are not daycare centers, which means you should monitor your young ones at all times. Good supervision is crucial for preventing injuries or any bullying. Moreover, having adults around motivates kids to try to get along and share.
So, moms and dads, keep an eye on your children. While you don’t have to intervene in your child’s social conflict or watch over them at all times they climb on a slide; you should, at the very least, stay close if they need you.
- Take Turns When Using A Particular Toy Or Equipment
Waiting can be quite a challenge for kids, especially if they’re eager to try a new toy or piece of playground equipment. But it’s something kids must be taught. When children don’t obey this rule, they can overcrowd playground equipment which may cause accidents.
There should be some rules for lineups, too. For example, make sure your kids understand that they shouldn’t hold spots or try to skip the line, as these behaviors often result in verbal fights. So, teach your child to wait politely and follow the rules so everyone gets a turn and no one is left out.
- Sharing
An indoor or outdoor playground is a shared space, so all playthings, such as chairs and tables, toys, slides, and mats, must be shared.
Yes, sharing can be challenging, especially when young children want a toy to play with. However, it’s best to start teaching sharing at a young age. Encourage your kid to share by emphasizing its positive effects on others.
- Obeying Age Limits On The Playground
On the playground, age appropriateness is important for safety and avoiding injury. Some playground equipment is designed only for specific age groups, making it unsuitable for others. As a result, keep young children away from equipment like monkey bars, climbing walls, and trampolines to prevent avoidable accidents, especially if an adult isn’t supervising them.
For your children to use equipment only intended for their age, make an age-safe playground equipment guideline like:
- Kids 2 years old or younger: Children under two should never be left unattended on a public playground. Rather than taking your kid to a crowded park full of older kids, try and locate a nearby playground for young children with their age-appropriate toys.
- Ages 2 to 5: Toddlers are slightly stronger than the younger ones but aren’t yet ready to be exposed to a more arduous activity. For this reason, this age group should stick to playground equipment with low railings and fewer steps, like short slides, crawl tunnels, and little swings.
- Kids older than 5: Older kids have developed the arm strength and muscle coordination to play safely on climbing equipment like large slides, monkey bars, or even an obstacle course (with adult supervision, of course!).
The Bottom Line
Going to an indoor or outdoor playground is a good family activity, especially if everyone follows proper etiquette. The children should be aware of their surroundings, including keeping an eye out for younger children and playing safely, while we as parents should watch over our children and show kindness to others. Following the proper playground etiquette and encouraging your kids to do the same will ensure a safe and fun experience for everyone involved.
Looking for a safe and thrilling indoor playground experience for your kid? Then consider checking out facilities like Velocity 360 Fun Park today!
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