Resources for Parents and Kids at Local Parks
Playgrounds Provide Support, Friendships and Local Family Resources
Jul 24, 2009
When the sun shines, parents, kids and caregivers find themselves packing up the snacks and sunscreen and heading out to a local park. The playground can be a default destination for kids and their caregivers, but it provides much more than simply a place to go. The local park is a social network for adults and kids alike, and it also plays an important role in keeping children physically active and healthy.
Playgrounds Provide Social Support for Parents
Working moms, stay at home dads and self-employed parents can all benefit from spending a couple mornings a week at a local playground. The humble playground can help parents meet other parents who have children around the same age and who share working hours or parenting styles. This can open up opportunities for important social support from other parents who understand the demands of raising children, tips and advice on dealing with developmental milestones or behavior issues and a chance to spread the load of childcare when fellow parents keep an eye out for each other's kids.
Playmates and Physical Exercise for Kids
Kids also benefit from time spent playing at the park. Learning how to make new friends, understanding why it's important not to throw sand and how to share or play tag are all valuable lessons that are best learned on the jungle gym and not in the classroom. Playgrounds also provide energetic children with the opportunity to run, jump, shout and play boisterously without the risk of breaking the furniture or deafening a parent. Physical play helps keep kids healthy and strong, balancing out the hours of screen time spent in front of the television or computer during the winter.
Local Resources and Community Based Information
Talking with other parents at the park is one of the very best ways to find out about the best music classes, daycares, preschools and family friendly activities in the neighborhood. Whether a parent is looking for other like-minded parents to start a co-operative childcare arrangement or the best preschool in the area, word of mouth is a fairly reliable way to find good quality childcare providers. Other local parents often know where to find a great family doctor, dentist or second hand children's clothes.
Summertime is the best time to make the most of the local playground. Simply going to the park is a great way to build community, meet neighbors, make friends, find local resources and help children stay active and healthy.
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