“The playground is pilates.”

The afternoon yesterday was glorious. C. asked to go to the playground. T. didn’t want to go. C. tried to convince his brother to come along, and among the tactics was the “it’s good for you” angle.   I’ve always told the boys that we stay active because it helps stay strong and feel better. I restarted pilates for the first time since the pandemic (or, first time they can really remember). I told them I am doing it to get stronger.

So, C.’s logic: Playground makes you strong. Pilates makes you strong. The playground is pilates. Fundamentally, I suppose, he’s not really wrong.

Children are listening to us all the time. What are they hearing?

For all children, play is work. At the playground, children practice gross motor development as well as social skills, problem-solving, risk-taking. It’s great for developing healthy muscles and bones.  It’s good for their mental health.  And they get a dose of that all important Vitamin D. 

Did you know your child needs 60 minutes (or more) of vigorous play each day?   

So, what’s my top tips for getting the most health benefit out of your family playground time?

1. Slip. Slap. Slop. Slide. Seek.  As we head into spring and summer, remember to bring that sunscreen and hat.  (Read more on being savvy parent when it comes to Sun safety.)

2. Sturdy shoes:  Being barefoot is great — but not so much in the playground for many safety reasons.    Sturdy shoes (runners) are great for climbing.  Cute sandals and crocs aren’t always great for climbing and can get caught in nets or fall off on slides and rock features.

3. Choose weather appropriate clothing your child can really play in:  comfortable clothes that allow free movement. Layers are often necessary. Be careful of strings and cords attached to clothing.

4. If you are going to snack at the playground (and why wouldn’t you?), get in the habit of bringing a healthy snack from home rather than sugary or processed food or snacks purchased near playground.  Always ask your child to sit and take a break to take a snack. Climbing and swinging while eating is potentially a choking hazard.

5. Bring water.  (Your child is doing some serious work out there – just as much as if you were going to the gym!)

6. Read the playground signs for your child.  Many playgrounds have equipment for different ages, and posted guidance about what features are for over 6’s.   A good guide is that if your toddler or pre-schooler needs you to lift them up to get on it, they are likely too small for it.  This can reduce potential injury – or frustration – for your child.

7. Mental Health:  Praise your child’s efforts at taking turns, sharing, trying something new or finally making it to the top.

8.  Your health: check out these easy ways to move with your child at the playground.    So, dress comfortably, put down that phone, and move!  (I recently clocked almost 2km of steps following my 2 boys around a large playground for just under an hour.)

9. Do check the rules of the playground.  Many have posted rules with a goal of helping to keep it healthy for everyone else:  most playgrounds are no smoking areas and do not allow dogs within the fenced area for health reasons.

10. Many playgrounds are near adult exercise equipment areas (usually painted green and yellow).  This equipment is designed for use by over-14s.  This equipment is not designed for children, and there is a risk of injury — and ideally, should be kept free for older teens and adults.