Warming Up To The Playground

A trip to the playground is an exciting opportunity for play in a new space with new friends, but it can be a little scary or overwhelming too. Try out these ideas to help your child feel more at ease on your next trip to the playground.

1. Give your child time to warm up and explore at their own pace at first. A playground can be a busy, loud place with lots to take in at once. Your first trip to the park might be brief and just a time for your child to walk around and check things out. Gradually build up the time spent at the park to your child’s comfort level.
2. Pair a trip to a new park with some of your child’s favorite familiar things. You may need to bring along a favorite stuffed animal or bubbles for the first few trips.
3. Encourage your child to try something new with a “Trying Timer” for 1-3 minutes. Set the timer to try that task and give lots of praise for any attempts, then move on to a more familiar area.
4. Model play on new pieces of equipment. Show your child how fun the swings and slide are, then encourage them to join in.