The kids have been patient. They’ve seen police tape
around your favorite playgrounds, which tells them to just wait a bit longer.
Now that tape’s down, how do you, as a parent, feel it’s safe enough for your
young charges to go play among others, and their smudged fingerprints, safely?
Anna Weih of Motherly has a piece that weights the pros and cons and
offers some helpful advice with the help of experts.
The key questions to ask yourself:
Are cases on the rise in your
community?
Experts agree that while there's no such thing as a
"risk-free" activity this summer, the top consideration is whether
there is a high level of virus activity in your community. If there's a lot of
community spread in your area, the safest place for kids to play is at home.
Does your household include any
individuals who are especially at risk?
If you have any elderly, pregnant or immunocompromised household
members, it's safer to play at home than at the playground.
Are playgrounds in your area
open?
This may seem like an obvious one, but make sure to check your
community's parks department website or social media sites before you head out
to make sure you're not met with a locked gate—and a lot of disappointment.
Once you’ve decided it’s officially okay to go, try these
recommendations:
1. Visit at off times and limit
the length of your stay.
Typically, it is best to go early in the morning or late afternoon. Try
to avoid lunchtime visits or times you know there will be large crowds so you
can minimize your interaction with others. And manage expectations beforehand
by letting children know there's a limit on playtime: "We'll be here until
10:30, and when I say it's time to go, it's time to go. Have fun!"
2. Wear a mask + bring extras.
Although you will be outside, it is still important to wear a mask
especially if you cannot maintain a safe social distance. It doesn't hurt to
bring a few extras in case they rip or get sweaty from your little ones
playing.
3. Do not plan to eat at the
playground.
Bringing snacks to the playground may seem like Parenting 101, but kids
may be tempted to touch their face with unwashed hands while eating.
4. Bring water + avoid drinking
fountains.
5. Bring sanitizer.
6. Closely monitor your child to ensure they're keeping a distance from other
children.
The playground will still be just
as fun while practicing social distancing.