[blparent] playgrounds and climbing structures

[Lisamaria Martinez, NOMC]

First, I know Alex and he is a pretty cautious child. He wouldn't go diving off am edge for fun, some kids would but not him. So, with that thought firmly planted in your head I would encourage you to take your hand off and be nervous hands off. He needs the freedom and reassurance he can explore and play independently. When you exhibit signs of nervousness he will pick up on the signs and be nervous too. And remember, part of learning and developing is falling, preferably not off of a play structure though.. 
 
And as for you and your navigation around the structure... Take a telescoping came, collapse it, and use it as a mini came, at least when you are on your hands and knees. If you get to a bridge or some place you can stand up, then you can extend your came.. 
 
Just thinking out loud here. 

Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 18, 2012, at 2:12 PM, "Ronit Ovadia Mazzoni" <rovadia82 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi everyone,
> I know this topic has been discussed before here but I wanted to share my
> experience with a playground that I had last week to see if any of you had
> any suggestions for me.
> 
> Last week I took my 17-month-old son to a playground that had a toddler
> climing structure. It was quite large and had several slides and bridges
> attached to it. I went with a few other moms so I wasn't there alone but
> when my son wanted to climb on the structure, I wanted to follow him. I
> climbed up after him and kept a hand on him all the time. HE's a new walker
> and I was afraid he wouldn't know better if he got too close to an edge
> where he could fall off. I had never been to this park before and wasn't
> familiar with the structure. I asked the moms to describe to me what was
> ahead of me if I turned a certain direction on the structure since I
> couldn't easily bring my cane up there. My son was frustrated that I had a
> hand onhim the whole time but I was afraid to let him go too far ahead of me
> without knowing what was in front of us. It was ok but I felt very
> uncomfortable with having to ask for so much help and also I was the only
> mom up there on the structure. I"m not as bothered  by this, but I'm
> wondering if there is an easier way to do this. I know if I got familiar
> with a place, it would probably be easier, but it wasn't possible with this
> situation. I had a bell on my son but now that he's walking, I'm more
> nervous. Also since I couldn't have my cane with me, I felt more nervous and
> less able to explore quickly.
> 
> Thanks for any advice you can give.
> Ronit
> 
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