Although this article may sound very specifically adressed to parents, or people who take care of children, I’m submitting the thought to anyone who is willing to take part in the discussion.
Everybody has a clear view of what a park for children looks like, normally there is a field where they can run, there are also some facilities for them to climb, swing, slide, jump, play in the open air, etc. Some playgrounds are more furnished than others.
The idea of such places, from what I gather, is to allow the children to be outside, to play with other kids, socialize, share the same space, learn how to wait for their turn, and much more.
What do you see in reality ? Parents bring toys from their home, and they spend a lot of time watching those toys, preventing the other kids from taking them to play with them. Children fight over those toys and the outdoor facilities are not necessarily used.
I’m being a little dramatic, but I have noticed that whenever even one kid brings their toy to the playground, one can be sure that there will be conflict over it. There is always going to be another child who is going to want it, sometimes the kid is willing to lend the toy, but you can see that the person accompanying them is anxious and only finds relief when the toy is next to them. They fear someone might break, or steal it.
But what do we teach the children by doing that ? I think it’s ambiguous for them, on one side we want to teach them that they should share, but when we go to the park with toys and aren’t willing to let the other children play with them, what are we exhibitting ? If we don’t let our child borrow the other child’s toy, but ask them to lend theirs, is it fair ? What kind of sharing is that ? I’m encouraged to share my toys, but I can’t borrow someone else’s toys ? I would be very angry, no wonder the kids get mad and scream and shout. It’s crazy when you think about it.
The mood is very different on the rare accasions when no one brings their toys in the playground. Much lesser fights, the kids use the swings, slides, whatever facility is there and I find the place more relaxing for everybody, until someone comes in with a motorcycle, a bike, a firemen truck or any other thing.
I really think many fights in the playground could be avoided if the parents didn’t bring the toys to the park. That would let the children play with the facilities, what’s more, the kids who bring their toys in the park are more interested in those another kid brought, so …
What are the other things you find crazy about playgrounds which could be avoided ?
Thank you for reading, let me know what you think in the comment section, I love reading your insights.
Let’s take care of ourselves.
See you around !
Monaminga 
A good point. Sometimes the kids will insist on taking their toys with them to the park. In such instance one should tell them to share with others.
J’aimeAimé par 2 personnes
We should, or else what’s the point ?
J’aimeAimé par 2 personnes
Yes, I used to have this problem when my grandson would insist on taking whatever he was playing with at that moment and then I would insist that he share it. It was good that he listened to me!
J’aimeAimé par 2 personnes
Good boy! But did you let him borrow as well ?
J’aimeAimé par 2 personnes
Yeah, as far as the kids would listen I would tell all of them to share their toys, or swords or light sabers!
J’aimeAimé par 2 personnes
🙂
J’aimeAimé par 1 personne
You bring up solid points Monaminga. If a kid wants to bring a toy, I think the parent should then put the responsibility on the child to maintain that toy.
Teach your kids at a young age that if they want something, then they must take care of it.
As far as kids getting into conflict, I think you gotta let kids work it out, or else they will always be looking to mommy and daddy to work things out for them. I’m not saying allow children to get into an all out beat down, but kids like adults must learn the pecking order and how they will overcome what they may lack.
J’aimeAimé par 2 personnes
Exactly, you know what ? I’ve noticed on many occasions that when you let the children solve their fight (prevented none is beating too hard on the other), they sort it out on their own terms and the fight lasts less long and they begin to play with each other, it is as if they wanted to know who is the « boss », to test their worth with one another. I’m often tempted to let them solve their issues among themselves, but you have the disapproving looks of all the other parents who expect you to stop your child and tell them they are behaving badly. « You should tell your kid not to push » , » really? You think so ? I tell him to push and beat everybody when we leave the house » … there is always someone who is going to tell you what to do and mingle in kids arguments. Wow that was a long response. I was inspired 🙂
J’aimeAimé par 2 personnes
The sooner kids figure out the pecking order the sooner they can move on and play.
Keep it Monaminga, you inspire me as well.
J’aimeAimé par 2 personnes
😉 thanks a lot!
J’aimeAimé par 1 personne
I don’t have any kids, so it has been a long time since I’ve been to a playground. But I remember my childhood days playing at the playground and I always used the facilities provided there. If I brought anything with me, I had a little tricycle, or my own kite I used to fly with my parents and when I went to the sand box, I never asked to play with anyone elses toys… come to think of it, I don’t really remember kids bringing toys too much. We used what was there and had fun. I agree, keep the toys at home if you don’t want your kid sharing them, or if you bring the toy don’t have them playing with it in a place where it becomes a distraction for other kids. Maybe the parent should play with them as they play with the toy, if they are concerned about another child stealing or breaking what they paid for. I love the message in this post though. Basically, we must render the treatment we would like to receive ourselves. If you want to borrow, you must be willing to share too.
J’aimeAimé par 2 personnes
Absolutely, reciprocate and be aware of what we teach the children. We are took often contradictions ourselves. It gets confusing for the kids. Thanks a lot for sharing your insight, it shows how much times have changed. You see more and more children with toys in playgrounds nowadays. I used to play with what was there too 😉
J’aimeAimé par 2 personnes
I totally agree! Be the example of what you hope to see in the world around you. You’re very welcome, Mona! ☺️
J’aimeAimé par 2 personnes
I never thought about it, but my children, now grown, always had friends at the park and we never took anything but our imaginations, our selves and our hope for adventure. I see your point clearly, however!
J’aimeAimé par 2 personnes
absolutely, playgrounds are meant for that in my opinion, for children to use their imagination and invent what doesn’t exist there !
J’aimeAimé par 2 personnes
So very true!
J’aimeAimé par 2 personnes
That’s an interesting perspective. Never thought about it like that.
J’aimeAimé par 1 personne
Thank you, do you have children, do you bring toys in the playground ?
J’aimeAimé par 1 personne
No, I don’t have kids – although I’m the oldest of 8, so I’ve had some experience (LOL). No, we don’t bring toys to the playground.
J’aimeAimé par 1 personne
8 children! That’s more than a full-time job! Congratulations to your mother !
J’aimeAimé par 1 personne
I’ll pass it to her. She’ll be pleased.
J’aimeAimé par 1 personne
🙂
J’aimeAimé par 1 personne