Going UP the slide is good for kids, but it's hard on parents. - photo by Emily Plank
If you've ever been on a U.S. playground, you know one of the biggest controversies is this: should kids be allowed to go up the slide? The fact the question exists at all shows there's a split between what's good for kids and what's good for parents. In most cases it's not about safety, it's about parental pressure -- judging, social pressure exerted from one parent (typically a stranger) to another.
Isn't that odd, that in the realm of children's play, it matters more what the other adults think?
I know how harsh the bad looks can be. I'm one of those parents who lets the kids climb up the slide. Why? Because it's healthy play, full of adventure, risk, and sometimes peer negotiation. It also does no harm. It follows the golden renegade rule:
It's OK if it's not hurting people or property.
Kids going up a slide giggle. They feel powerful. They gain balance, spatial awareness, and yes, social awareness. If a conflict comes up -- between the kids not the parents -- kids typically resolve it as part of the game's flow.
The typical American playground is static. The swings are fun, and going up and down the slide is fun, but there's nothing to move or create or build. Scattered around the world are adventure playgrounds, including this one recently featured in The Atlantic, which gives kids lots to play with -- including fire.
A playground with FIRE! Click link below to watch video clip - (sorry, an ad appears first)
So if you don't have a fire-burning, saw-cutting, water-splashing, junk-filled playground near your house, what do you do? Some ideas:
- Relax the parents around you. Say something out loud that other adults can hear. "It's OK with me if they go up." or "Seems as if they're doing fine."
- Address the concern. "Looks as if you're worried about something. What's your concern?" Chances are the kids themselves can problem-solve and fix it.
- Point out observations to your kids. "It's crowded today. Looks as if the slide's only for going down right now."
- Go somewhere else. Modern playgrounds are not particularly interesting places to play. You can't move the pieces. There are too many judging eyes and safety rules. Skip the official 'playground' and find some water. Throw stones. Wade. Go to the woods and whack sticks or build a tree fort. Balance on logs. Pick up logs and heave them about. Maybe you'll even find a salamander.
What do you think? Have you ever been caught in the slide dilemma? Is it more about you and other adults, or is it about children's play? Know any great playgrounds?
I've think of this issue many times. Mainly when my oldest was very little (she's now 5) and I kind of "learned" that you should teach them to go on their bump. But in the back of my mind I would also think that going up is also fun, but I held myself from encouraging her to do it. Until she was older and more stable (3years), I realized that at her daycare they had a slide where they were allowed and kind of encouraged to climb up and that was an aha! moment for me. It was just a matter of waiting for her to be older and stronger to practice that skill. Now with my second that is 17 months, we are in the process of teaching her to go down on her bump only while her sister explores going up. I finally understood it's a matter of safety and development. As for the harsh look of other parents, I think the only issue is you make sure your children don't take over the slide and allow others to have a chance, and to teach them of being mindful of younger children. Going up or down, I think it's a matter of physical ability and they need to learn what they can do! Don't you remember how strong you felt when doing that? I like to see how proud she feels when she masters a new challenge, a new structure.
Erika, love your "aha!" moment. Thanks for sharing!
My little babe just started going down slides (at 17 months) and she already tries to climb up them also! It must be some rite of childhood!
"Some rite of childhood" - yes. Enjoy the slides.
If other kids aren't gonna slide down when my toddler is trying to climb up, I'm okay with it. Have never encountered negative vibes or comments from other adults. My playground pet peeve tho is people who bring their dogs! It's for kids, not dogs!
Ah yes, the dogs...
All kids, I believe if left alone, want to go up the slide at some point. The only problem I see is that some want to go up while some are coming down. But then what a wonderful opportunity to problem solve a conflict!! Jan
Yes, very true - another chance for getting practice solving conflicts.
Love your statement "All kids...if left alone..." We need to remember to leave them alone sometimes.
Just make sure you don't let our nanny government decide!