Quick guide to the park

Just a couple quick tips for toddlers on how to behave at the park…

1. Navigating the bridge

The bridge can be intimidating, due to it’s humped nature.

If you get part way over but then get scared, it is okay to sit and scoot down.  This is preferable to getting stuck in the middle.

2. The slide

The slide can be tricky.  If you are facing forward, it is hard to get both feet pointed down on the slide, and then to move yourself forward such that you travel down the slide.  Also, it is scary to look down.  The solution is easy: get down on all fours, turn around, and then back down on your tummy.  Eventually enough of your body will be on the slide that gravity will take you the rest of the way down.

3.  Resting

It is okay to rest at the park.  Actually, it’s cool because gives you a chance to check out what the other kids are doing without having to concentrate on what you’re doing yourself.  However, if you are going to take a rest, it is important that you look good while doing so.  You don’t want to just sit down in the dirt.  You must find a bench (those things where adults sit) and then climb up and sit with an attentive, but laid-back, posture (see demonstration below).  Note that if you can convince a parent to put you on a swing, that may also be a good vantage point, and provide some rest as well (just be sure to hold on tight, otherwise you might smash your face into the chains).