How to Encourage Cooperative Play with Children’s Outdoor Play Equipment

Many families purchase children’s outdoor play equipment thinking their prayers have been answered. The equipment will keep children busy, off their screens, and engaged in healthy activity.

Then the fighting starts. Kids argue about who gets to play with what and say it’s unfair that they are not getting a turn. How do parents address this?

This article will outline steps to ensure cooperative play that eliminates fighting.

Purchase the Right Equipment

Parents should first consider the equipment they purchase and ensure it is suited to their family’s needs. For example, many swing sets are customizable, providing two swings, a swing and a climbing wall, a swing and a ladder, etc.

Purchase a set that offers features all your children will enjoy, ensuring it is suited to their age and tastes. For example, if you have a four-year-old and a six-year-old who enjoy swinging, purchase a set with age-appropriate swings. Consider a climbing wall instead of a swing if one child prefers climbing.

A second child may also spend time on a trampoline or ride-on car when the other swings.

Assign Time Slots

You may do your best to purchase equipment that keeps everyone busy and happy, but you never know when one child will decide they would rather play on the equipment their sibling is currently using. You can solve this issue by assigning time slots.

For example, you may allow one child to swing while another rock climbs for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, the children should check in to see if they want to continue their assigned tasks or switch things up. This is a fair way to maintain the peace.

Be Creative

Remember, not all outdoor play is based on play equipment. Children may be just as happy playing in the sand and using structures for imaginative play. Suggest these options to keep your kids happy.

Teach Kids the Importance of Sharing

Teach children to share by:

·  Setting an Example: Share your food or belongings, or offer help to others in front of your child to demonstrate the importance of sharing.  

·  Praise Your Child for Sharing: Provide verbal praise when you see your child sharing with others.

·  Read Stories About Sharing: Read stories that showcase a sharing theme. Discuss the benefits of sharing with your child based on the story.

·  Highlight the Positives: Discuss the benefits of sharing with your child, ensuring they understand its importance.

Teaching children to share does more than prevent fights in the playground. It prepares them for adulthood by teaching them empathy, patience, teamwork, trust, and connection.

Little Tacker Toys Can Help You Develop the Ideal Playground

While Little Tacker Toys can’t teach your child to share, we can help you pick out playground equipment that suits your family. We offer various trampolines, swing sets, and ride-on cars for every age group, ensuring fun times for all your little ones. Our high-quality products guarantee a safe experience, while our customer service supports a seamless process.

Contact us when you’re ready to start building a playground for your family.