Playing at the playground. Let them be kids.
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The weather outside has been awesome. We’re having longer, warmer days. Finally! We have a swingset/jungle gym in our backyard, but we’ve been going to our local playground lately. And the kids love it because they can run around, be loud and crazy. Mom and dad love it because we can sit back and relax, while the kiddos run around and be crazy.
Our kiddos are finally at the age where they can both go on the equipment without much supervision. We just make sure they are in view. I do not miss having to hover and help and push (on swings). They go from one thing to the next and the only thing we really need to do is to remind them about taking turns, watching little ones, yadda yadda.
So, my question for all you everyday folks is this…..Do you let your kids be kids? Or do you hover or helicopter parent them?
I know it’s hard to let them go. To let them be crazy and run and jump and be on top of the equipment. When my kids were smaller, I think I was more “helicopter” parent, but now that they’re older I’ve learned to relax a little. ( I think…). I think it’s OK to walk up the slide backwards, as long as nobody is coming down the slide. It’s OK to climb on top of certain equipment, even if that’s not the intention. Kids climb and swing and slide and jump. Let them.
As long as they aren’t hurting any other kids or themselves, let ‘em run wild! (Well…to a point). As long as everyone is having fun and playing great together, let them be kids! Let them break some “playground rules”.
It’s good for them to learn, and maybe even push, their own boundaries. Again, safety first. I know. But let them figure it out. Let them be a little daring. How will they know how to be a little more brave or confident if we are constantly stopping their play or fun with “Be careful!”, “Don’t do that!”, “You can’t…!”.
How about “Swing higher!”, “Run faster!”, “You can…!”. Showing confidence in them helps to build confidence in them. Not just on the playground, but anywhere, really. This is just one example. Let those kiddos be kiddos.
When on our backyard swingset, our kids like to swing high, climb on top of the clubhouse and monkey bars. Of course when they were smaller, I said the typical “Be careful!”. And in my momma head and heart, thinking “Oh God. Oh God. Please don’t fall!”. It took my 10 yr. old some time before she was brave enough to go on top of the swingset, but now I can’t get her down. My 6 yr. old will be giving me a heart attack because he has no fear.
How do you all play at the playground or at home? Are you able to let loose? If not, try a little at a time and let those kiddos be kiddos!!
Until next time….
14 Comments
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Michelle Kujawa
May 22, 2017 at 2:35 pmMy 2 youngest are 11 and 13. I have gotta say, I love taking them to the park. I love watching them play and I, of course, will jump right in and play with them. Thanks for sharing this.
EDamanda
May 22, 2017 at 5:51 pmThanks Michelle! It’s an easy way to get them moving.
Surbhi
May 25, 2017 at 4:16 amIt is scary to see my kids trying to climb up and down the jungle gym, they move on the swing with no fear, going on slides like they don’t care. Just like you, in my heart, I am constantly thinking I hope they don’t get hurt. You have written so aptly.
EDamanda
May 25, 2017 at 8:26 amThank you! Yes, our momma heart takes so much worry, but we have to let our kiddos be crazy and independent. Scary as that is….
KC
February 8, 2018 at 11:15 ami am all for letting kids be kids! I’m working now on not stepping in to playground disputes… I want to see them learn to communicate with their peers.
EDamanda
February 8, 2018 at 3:50 pmYes! It’s tough not to jump in, but they’ve got to figure out. Thanks for reading. 😊
Chelsea Leigh
February 8, 2018 at 12:27 pmNow that I think about it, I never was one of those “helicopter” parents… I always kinda let my kid do his own thing. I mean he’s had his fair share of bumps and bruises because my 5 year old has no sense of fear whatsoever (unless it’s his dark bedroom & he doesn’t want to sleep by himself. ugh! haha!), but he gets over it if he falls and I think it helps them not be what I call some kids a “velcro kid” where they HAVE to be next to their mom/dad ALL the time. I need my space! I totally agree… let them be kids!
EDamanda
February 8, 2018 at 3:54 pm“Velcro kid” I like that. So glad my kids don’t need to be next to me at all times. They’re like “bye mom!”
Thanks for commenting!
Lindsay Aratari
July 26, 2018 at 7:28 amLove these tips because they’re all so true! Such good reminders too 🙂
EDamanda
July 26, 2018 at 8:44 pmThanks!! 🤗
Toni
July 26, 2018 at 8:51 amMy girls are 2 and 1 so I am still pushing them on the swings and chasing the 1 year old who has no fear and helping the 2 year old get up on the firetruck, but I am trying to push my 2 year old in to doing things at the park other than just swing because she would do that for hours! My 1 year old climbs up the slides and I let my girls be crazy! I know my sisters and I were when we went to the park! Better there then at home lol
EDamanda
July 26, 2018 at 8:46 pmOh yes, the tiring toddler years. 😉 Let them run wild so they’re quiet at home! (If only) Thanks for reading!
Jill
July 26, 2018 at 9:29 amThe park should be a place where your kid can move their bodies and get out all that kid energy! Yes, safety first is true, but I let my kids climb all over the jungle gym because I don’t want them climbing all over my furniture!
EDamanda
July 26, 2018 at 8:47 pmPark=play!! Let em go! (They still climb at home tho too!!) 😄