It’s that time of year again. This year we are older and wiser. Last summer my daughter was still falling often and not quite tall enough for most playground equipment. I expect that because my daughter is older and steadier on her feet that this summer will be a real hoot.


1.Come Prepared- sun block, a change of clothes, snacks and water. I’m always stunned when I see Moms come unprepared to the playground and they spend a few hours playing. I envy that type of spontaneous parenting but I can’t leave home without my bag of just in case stuff.



2.Stay clear of the playground Bully. We have all seen that certain child that takes every sandbox toy and is rough with the other children. If it gets to be too much I usually redirect my daughter to another area but I do try to let my daughter resolve things on her own. If it bugs her enough she will usually move or come tell me.


3.Try to let the kids work it out- don’t hover. While you certainly don’t want to see your child getting picked on, you also don’t want to be a helicopter Mom and hover. We sometimes have to give our children the opportunity to work through an issue.


4.Step in if your child is being too aggressive- I have seen parents go to the other extreme as Helicopter Moms and be too passive. If your angel is having a bad day and taking it out on friends its ok to step in and redirect.


5.Pack a first aid kit. I need to take my own advice on this and get a first aid kit for my car. I do carry a few band-aids and first aid cream in my diaper bag. Playgrounds and boo-boo’s seem to go together like peanut butter & jelly. Most playgrounds these days seem to be ultra safe and have rubberized everything. Closed toed shoes also limit the amount of spills and wood chip foot injuries.

Image- Livi last summer