7 Safety Points to Consider When Choosing Plastic Playground Equipment For Your Backyard

By Doug Kramer.

If your child is a naturally playful climber, it may be time for you to take that energy outside! Today's plastic backyard playgrounds come in a variety of options. But, like most major purchases, choosing the right one can go a long way in keeping your little clubhouse climber safe and entertained.

While today's plastic playsets are built according to strict safety codes that all manufacturers must follow, there are still features to look for that will ensure the safest possible choice for your child.

Rounded corners. Rounded edges create fewer opportunities for your little ones to snag themselves or their clothing and pose a less serious falling hazard should they fall directly on a corner.

Smooth surfaces. While plastic playsets are molded with smooth surfaces, woodland climbers depend on the type of wood used. If you are choosing wood, make sure the wood type is unlikely to splinter and will hold up well in strenuous weather conditions over time.

Nuts and bolts that sit flush to the parts. While most playsets come with predrilled holes for installation, they don't always sit flush to the pieces they are holding in place. Make sure that these are tightly installed and do not rise above the surface.

Structural strength. Plastic playgrounds are built sturdy. But they do have an age and weight limit. Consider them to be primarily aimed at toddlers. When it comes to wooden playgrounds,in order to provide a lot of features at a low price, some manufacturers use wood that meets the minimum requirement but is very thin for extensive use. Make sure the beams and support panels are sturdy and will not bend over time.

Unsafe openings. Openings that are between 3 ½ inches to 9 inches present the danger of head entrapment. Be wary of features that may harm a curious explorer.

"S" hooks. Open "S" hooks are considered potential entrapment and strangulation hazards that can catch on children's clothing. Make sure that these are tightly closed and not in a reachable area for small children.

Moving parts. Make certain that there are no exposed moving parts. Tiny fingers and hands can be easily pinched or crushed. All moving parts should be covered to prevent children from injury.

Keeping your child safe on your backyard playset begins with choosing the right one. Choose wisely and you will enjoy your purchase for years to come-and expel some of that energy!

Never Again Hear Your Kids Say During The Summer, "I'm Bored!"

By Darryl Mobley.

Every parent (to include me) has heard their kids say - with the incredible freedom of summer all around - "I'm bored!" As a life and executive coach, I find that every summer I am asked by my clients who are parents to tell them what they should do to keep their kids active, engaged and not bored during the greatest three months of the year (for kids).

You know how it works. Your children are excited about the upcoming summer as the school year comes to a close. Then, for the first week or so they are all fired up and balls of energy. Then, they run out of energy and things to do. And you hear, "I'm bored," and "What should I do?" Your summer has just turned ugly.

First of all, let me say that it is easy for kids to get bored during the summer because they have so much freedom. But childhood freedom often becomes the strongest of all chains; a slave master who uses mind-numbing boredom as punishment. My belief and study has shown that kids do not need unfettered freedom. Kids need structure in order to grow and feel fulfilled.

Here's my simple 3-step process for eliminating your child's boredom during the summer months.

Step 1
You should sit down with your kids before the school-is-out-for-the-summer season hits and write a list of their GOALS for the summer. Setting goals is the most important step you can take to keep your child from getting bored during the summer. Ask your kid these questions (and have them write down the answers):
- What new sports do you want to learn?
- What new challenges do you want to tackle?
- What new books do you want to read?
- What new sights do you want to see?
- What new skills do you want to learn?
- What area(s) do you want to improve in?

Step 2
Next - using the goals as your guide, you and your kid(s) should write out a week-by-week schedule of summer activities for them. (I actually recommend you have the entire summer scheduled out day-by-day, but let me allow you to ease into this.)

Step 3
Then, follow the schedule.

My kids have not uttered the phrase, "I'm bored," since I began this approach to their summers. They are too busy, engaged and happy to be bored! And yours will be as well. And I know that your kids and mine will look back someday (as we parents do) and say how great this or that summer was because of what they did.