The Benefits of Wooden Swing Sets in Your Yard

Do you allow your children to play on residential swing sets or playground equipment at school or the local parks?  With precautions such as following the playground rules, your children can have a blast with this activity. After all, playing at the local playground or playing in a backyard equipped with this type of equipment is an integral part of being a child, and childhood won't last forever. Your children will be the envy of the neighborhood if you have one of these structures built in your backyard. Everyone knows that wooden swing sets are like a magnet and will attract all of the kids that live on your block. One great benefit of owning wooden swing sets is that children can enjoy safe play at home. If you can't afford to build one, the next best alternative is the playground at the city parks or schools. This can be an excellent place for children to make new friends and also to learn about safe play in the park. As a parent, if you are visiting your local playgrounds you will want to make sure the kids are supervised at all times. It is crucial that you do not take your eyes off of them. Also, make sure the equipment is safe and stay away for anything that looks like it has not been maintained, or looks broken or dangerous. Another thing to inspect is the ground and make sure that there is ground cover under the wooden swings sets just in case someone falls.

Safe Play Guidelines

This should go without saying but kids always need to be reminded not to twist the chains or ropes that are attached to the swing. By doing this it can reduce the strength of the chain which is used to support the child. Unless the swing is designed for more than one rider, this is one rule you need to stand by, only one person on seat at a time. Remind the kids that they need to sit in the center of the seat this way their weight is evenly distributed. You know kids love to swing an empty swing, always trying to get them over the top beam but in reality this is not the proper thing to do.  Reinforce this rule as well, do walk behind or in front of a moving swing as this can be dangerous.  ( (

It is also important to pay attention to the skies especially if you are not at home and do not have a radio with you. Weather conditions play a big role in safe play. Parents should stop the kids from climbing on playgrounds when wet or in adverse weather conditions. If you see lightning that is the time to take cover.

If you have your own wooden swing sets, be sure to read the owners manual to the kids. This manual offers a wealth of information for safe play. Teach the children to follow the rules and make sure they understand the reasons behind the rules. No one likes to be told not to do something but if they understand how it can be dangerous, they will pay better attention to the warnings.

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Here are a few things that kids should not wear to the park or when playing on wooden swing sets. For example, kids should not wear any type of shirts or sweatshirts that have hanging strings. This is dangerous clothing to wear as it may get caught on the structure and potentially cause a hanging or strangling hazard. Teach kids to wear well fitting clothing, shoes, and to avoid capes, ponchos, or garments with hanging ties. Keep away from any type of neck scarves, dress up boas or any clothing that is loose fitting, which in actuality could be dangerous while using wooden swing sets.