Play Time Tips
Read these 10 Play Time Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Daycare tips and hundreds of other topics.
Play Clothes
Dress your child appropriately for playground activities. This includes avoiding all clothing with drawstrings, ribbons, chains, or other hanging material that could result in accidental strangulation.
(This tip submitted by Lisa Pinter, Newsletter Guru)
Impact-Absorbing Material
When checking out the play area, be sure the area surrounding the playground equipment is covered by an impact-absorbing material. This will reduce the risk of serious injury should your child fall. Materials include: mulch, woodchips, sand, shredded rubber or rubber mats.
(This tip submitted by Lisa Pinter, Newsletter Guru)
Playground Equipment
Be sure to check playground equipment BEFORE allowing your child to play on it. Hazards or dangers to look for include improper anchoring, exposed footings, protruding objects, and broken or missing parts.
(This tip submitted by Lisa Pinter, Newsletter Guru)
Supervision
Do not allow children to play on playground equipment without adult supervision. If an adult is present, other children are less likely to push and shove.
(This tip submitted by Lisa Pinter, Newsletter Guru)
Sandbox Toys From Your Kitchen
Don't toss those empty spice containers into the garbage! Peel off the labels and use them in the sandbox - kids love to watch the sand empty out from the containers. You can also use scoops from laundry detergent as small trowels or shovels.
(This tip submitted by Lisa Pinter, Newsletter Guru)
Skill Levels
If your child's size and skill level are not appropriate for certain pieces of playground equipment, keep them off! Try getting them interested in a piece that is geared more toward their dexterity.
(This tip submitted by Lisa Pinter, Newsletter Guru)
Marble Painting
For a clean painting activity give kids a cardboard box with a piece of paper in the bottom. Let them roll several large marbles in paint and then drop them on the paper. Tilt the box back and forth to create a fantastic design.
Play dough fun
Kids love play dough and it can be used in so many different ways. Use food coloring or spices to change things up. Rubber stamps can keep kids busy for hours punching shapes into the dough.
Keep Things Simple
Sometimes the simplest activity is the best for young children. Let them play in a sink filled with water or color a cardboard box. Do not get overwhelmed with activities that will be hard to implement.
Sun safety
be certain that your child's provider has shade for children to play in on summer days and that they put on sunfactor to prevent burning. Even a cloudy day in summer can lead to serious sunburns.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Lynne Christen |
