7 Rules Regarding Coexistence at the Park for Children
Going out to the park is very positive for children. It’s an open space where they can be on the move. In addition, they can climb up, climb down, run, or jump without interrupting a neighbor’s nap or making too much noise in an apartment building. However, that same outing can become a constant source of anger or attention calls if we don’t establish some rules of coexistence at the park with our children. Let’s take a look at some of them and how to achieve them.
7 rules of coexistence at the park for children
Some of the rules of coexistence that we can agree with the children are the following:
1. Share the playground equipment
In the park, children will almost never be alone, so it’s key that they learn to share the equipment. For example, your child can use the hammock, but if there are other children who also want to use it, they should take turns.
2. Children must let us know where they’re going to be
If your children want to change activities or go to another area, they should let us know so we can accompany them. Even if another adult offers to take them, even if it’s the mother of a school classmate, they must let us know beforehand. This will prevent us from having a scare.
3. Take care of the space
Good use and care of the space are very important. This ranges from not plucking flowers from plants just because we like them to using the trash cans to dispose of waste. Minors should learn to respect and take care of nature, as well as the spaces that are shared with other people.
4. Don’t accept food or drinks from others
At the same time, we should also point out to children that it’s not advisable for them to eat or drink from other people’s food or soft drinks. In any case, if they feel hungry or thirsty, they can let us know and we can deal with it. At this same point, sometimes children also offer their snacks to their peers. It’s important that we advise them that it’s okay to share, but because we don’t know the others or their parents, it’s better not to do so. In addition, we don’t know if that child has any allergies, if they have celiac disease, or if they can drink what’s offered, such as sugary drinks.
5. Sharing toys
It’s important to take care of belongings, but we must also show children that it’s okay to share toys. Keep in mind, especially if they’re very young, that your child will also want to use what the other children have, but should always ask permission first.
6. Respecting others
Respect for others is also another rule that makes it easier to stay at the park. Not making fun, not forming groups to marginalize others, and not laughing if someone falls or loses in a game, among others, produces respect and good coexistence with others and with one’s own family. In short, it is about teaching empathy.
7. Take precautions
Teaching children to be attentive and take certain precautions is a fundamental aspect. Beyond the fact that adults watch over their children’s safety, it’s also important that we give them indications on how to use the equipment and what things to pay attention to. For example, if they’re going to play soccer, they must be careful not to kick the ball too hard, as it could hurt others. This way, little by little, we teach them to be responsible and careful with themselves and others.
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Some keys on how to establish the rules of coexistence at the park
The rules must be clear and consistent. In no case should they be contradictory. Also, they must be accompanied by an explanation of the correct way to execute them. For example, regarding the use of trash cans, the first time we go to a park, it’s important that we point out where the trash cans are located. We shouldn’t assume that the children already know this.
On the other hand, on those occasions when we’re going to break a rule, we should explain to them why we’re doing it. For example, if we always tell them that they must pee in the toilet, if they suddenly tell us that they’re about to pee their pants and we realize that they won’t be able to hold it until they get to the bathroom, we can be flexible and allow them to do it behind a tree. However, in order not to confuse them, it’s important to make it clear that this is an exception. Otherwise, the next time, they’ll think it’s okay to urinate next to a tree.
Finally, we must also keep in mind that the limits must be in accordance with the child’s age. That is, we can’t expect the same self-control and behavior in children as in teenagers.
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How to build the rules of coexistence at the park
Finally, beyond the rules of coexistence in the park with children, it’s very important that we maintain a key idea, beyond the rule itself. This idea has to do with consensus, agreements, and negotiations. In other words, we must avoid creating in children the feeling that we impose ourselves or that our rules are capricious. On the contrary, these rules are based on values and not on a whim without reason.
It’s a good idea to explain the reason for the rules of coexistence at the park. They’re necessary to be able to spend a day with peace of mind, to be safe, and to avoid mishaps. Also, they’re oriented toward protecting them and not prohibition. Thus, according to what positive discipline proposes, we lay the foundations for children to be able to make good decisions in the future and not simply to be rule followers.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Seitun, Maritchu (2013), Capacitación emocional para la familia, Grijalbo.
- Bilbao, Alvaro (2015) El cerebro del niño explicado a los padres.Plataforma Actual.
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Brizuela Tornés, G., González Brizuela, C., González Brizuela, Y., & Sánchez Pacheco, D. (2021). La educación en valores desde la familia en el contexto actual. MEDISAN, 25(4), 982-1000. Recuperado de http://www.medisan.sld.cu/index.php/san/article/view/3853