Playground Etiquette
The children are back from holidays and once in a while they would love to go hang out at public parks, playgrounds and arcades with their friends. Often times as parents, the kids are left alone to play with their friends as we can’t afford the time to stay with them all day and watch them play. However, it’s important that our kids know how to conduct themselves when left alone in such public spaces:
a. Sharing is caring: It’s important to teach the children how to share whatever meal has been packed up for them to eat during lunchtime. For the parent, always consider that your kid’s friend might be interested in the food too, so pack an extra one.
b. Stay hydrated: Remind the kids to always drink water after playing and running around with their friends. Dehydration could often lead to dizziness and fainting.
c. Wait your turn: It’s important for kids to learn how to always wait their turn, they should not try to skip the line or take up the turn of another.
d. Do not speak to strangers: Let your children always know to stay away from faces that aren’t familiar to them. If a stranger walks up to them, they can/should quickly run away to where all their friends are gathered. Also, they should not accept any kind of offerings from strangers.
e.Avoid extreme games: Certain rides and games are often dangerous for kids and shouldn’t be played with except under parent’s supervision. Kids should learn to always play games that are not hazardous free except their parents are there to give consent.
f. Say sorry, please and thank you: These three magic words are very important and all kinds must know them. If your child is offered something, he should say thank you. If he/she offends anyone, he/ she should say sorry. If he/she needs help of any sort, he/she should start with, please.
g. Let them have your contact: If you’re going to leave your kids at the playground, it’s important they have your phone numbers or any other form of contact in case they need to reach out to you after they are done or for an emergency.