How Can Parents Ensure Toddler Development During Playground Visits
The time a child spends learning and playing on playgrounds can shape and mold them in their growing years. Playgrounds are a great space for your little ones to learn problem-solving skills, improve their coordination, develop social skills, and build their overall mental and physical strength. So, we can say without a doubt, that playgrounds and parks can provide your toddlers with unlimited ways to explore and encourage development. This guide is laid out in such a way so that parents can encourage development in areas like motor skills, communications, cognitive, social-emotional, and adaptive skills. 1) Exploring Surfaces Many playgrounds will have multiple surfaces for your little ones to explore and navigate. If they want to interact with playground equipment, ensure that your child’s hands and provide them with the support they need.
By touching and interacting with various surfaces, your toddler’s gross motor skills will improve. They will also learn to avoid obstacles, step over objects, and have a better understanding of their surroundings. 2) Use Railing Support When it comes to railings, never let your child climb stairs without supervision. You can show them how to use railings as support. Younger kids might start with crawling upwards and then scooting their way back down. They will do this quite a few times to gain confidence. Older kids will always hold onto their parent’s hands or legs while climbing up or down. Keep in mind that stair climbing needs support and coordination, so ensure that your child practices in a safe environment. 3) Climbing Another great way to improve coordination and build strength is by helping your little one climb onto playground equipment. If they are finding difficulty climbing, you can use items that are closer to the ground. You can also help them by showing them where to place their feet and hands while climbing. 4) Let Your Toddler Make New Friends A playground is an excellent place for your child to meet other kids and make new friends. When other kids are near your little one, encourage your child to look at them and wave at them. Teach them to say “Hi.” to other children and watch how your kids respond. Do they get nervous and cling to you? If that is the case, you can show them that it is ok to meet other kids and introduce themselves. As your child interacts with other kids, you can stay near them to make them more comfortable.
5) Build Vocabulary The playground will provide many opportunities to improve your kid’s vocabulary. So, the next time you visit one, start by labeling all the new things you see at the playground and how they are different from the things at home. Teaching your kids new words at the playground will be exciting for them as well since they will love the environment and will be eager to play and learn. 6) Color Identification Playgrounds nowadays are filled with colorful playsets and vibrant slides and swings. You can help your child identify colors by labeling the colors you see on playground equipment. Don’t expect them to pick up color names right away. Understand that it will take time to register the different colors in their mind. Identifying colors is also a great way to improve your toddler’s phrases. For instance, if they notice a yellow slide and say “slide”, you can combine the two phrases and say “yellow slide”. Final Thoughts We hope you have gained some valuable insights from this blog. Keep in mind that your toddlers can learn things quickly at playgrounds, and with the right support, guidance, and encouragement, they can develop skills that will stick with them through their growing years.