2 Major Life Lessons You Learn from the Playground
Here are 2 life lessons you might have learned, albeit unconsciously, from your days in the public playground. It would be nice if you can pass on these words of wisdom to your children, in the form of play. This also allows you to have more time to spend with your kids without being a boring parent.
1. Don’t think, just do
It was your parents’ job to tell you to “stop doing that” and warn you that “you’ll hurt yourself”. But as a child, you had more courage to try new things and break your limits. You jumped off the roof, climbed the tree, and drove your mother crazy. But all these experiences (despite some minor fractures) allowed you to find out for yourself what you can and cannot do. Somehow, it gave you more confidence.
The modern playground definitely has improved safety features and equipment. Most playgrounds have rubber mulch flooring that breaks falls and averts impact injuries. You can encourage your kids to try new things under your supervision, helping them become more confident of their abilities. Of course, you have to make sure that you help them understand the importance of trust and safety.
2. There’s something new to do every day
Unlike amusement parks that regularly come up with new attractions, public playgrounds offer you the same basic equipment to work with every day. Despite having the same slides and swing sets to work with, you managed to come up with a variety of fun and silly games that make unlimited use of the same things.
When you give your children less playing options (i.e., less computer games), you force their minds to make do with what they have in the neighborhood playground. They are encouraged to have fun with other children while they get regular exercise. More importantly, your kids will get trained on how to think and to come up with creative solutions while having fun.
April 29th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
[...] How to Organize a Playground Cleanup Whether you’re a parent or a teacher, organizing a cleanup drive for the public playground is a fantastic idea. On top of doing the community a great service, you also create an opportunity for the local kids to be empowered and socially aware. [...]