Why working families need parks and playgrounds more than ever

Do you have a child finding it difficult to spend time close to your children and assist in growing them? We have recently published research indicating that parks in the neighborhood and playgrounds mainly offer excellent and unique opportunities for interaction between children and their parents. They’re areas where parents can play with their children and help them learn new skills. Children can also play with other children and design their games.

In Australia, the proportion of couples with children under 18 where both parents are working has increased from 52% in 1991 to 61% in 2016. Parents are more time-poor than ever. Both parents often feel pressure to work full-time to maintain living standards but need more family time.

Some kids are okay with spending less time with their mom and dad. But, many children feel disconnected from their parents, especially their dad, who is usually the primary source of income.

Being outdoors lets children enjoy the natural world and play with their friends in ways not confined by fences or walls. It can give parents a glimpse into their child’s interests and talents and assist them in understanding their child’s needs.

To conduct our study, we interviewed people who visited 12 parks in residential areas in the Moreton Bay Region of southeast Queensland, Australia. We drove 386 interviews between December 2017 and March 2018.

What has the research found?

According to caregivers, parents, and grandparents we spoke to, the park was an excellent way for parents to help their children learn social skills as they played with their children. This meant taking the lead, not pushing, and demonstrating respect. One interviewee told me:

One of the most significant benefits of the park is developing social skills. They can interact with other children and learn to play and share toys.

Parents can teach their children to play with equipment in the park playground and help them climb up and down.

Generally speaking, when I take my kids for a walk, particularly when you have a young one, I assist them in climbing up things and then push them onto the swing.

Adults were also worried about ensuring the safety of their children.

Since he’s a baby as a baby, I love to be there, particularly for things to climb to ensure that he doesn’t get hurt.

As children grow older, they no longer require more physical assistance from their parents, and they can play with their children and siblings by themselves. Parents of children at a higher age begin to assume more oversight or observing responsibility.

Most of the time, I lie in the back and let them play, simply due to their age. Sometimes, I join in and play; however, I need help figuring out why I’m required to.

Where do children play in parks?

Only some parks are constructed and designed with the same goal in mind. They differ in dimensions, facilities, and types of equipment for playgrounds. Within the twelve parks, kids play most often in gardens (82 percent), followed by fields with open areas (17 percent) as well as pathways (14 percent).

Playgrounds let children climb, swing, ride, and slide down the equipment.

There’s climbing, balance exercises, and lots of other things to do to keep him busy.

The open fields are perfect for intergenerational interactions and shared activities, such as playing games with balls and running around.

The grassy space is terrific since they can bring equipment or one of my girls is a cheerleader; therefore, they’ll jump and flip because it’s a great large area.

The paths can be used for biking.

We brought them to this place when they were still learning to ride a bike, as it has an asphalt path around.

The local park makes for easy access to a space where parents can share in the activities of their children and teach them a range of physical and social skills that might not be possible within the limits of a backyard or home.

Our research is part of the overall research of designing parks in suburban areas accessible to all. The final results include guidelines for creating gardens with people of all ages to promote healthy and active lifestyles.

In a well-designed park where children can explore their interests, take a risk as they learn outdoor skills, and have fun with other children with the guidance of their parents or caregiver.

These unique social dynamics might be absent during other moments of the week or day. If you’re finding it challenging to support your child’s development by spending 30 minutes with them in the park near you – you will all benefit from having fun with your child, sharing stories, and having fun together!