Are Swingsets A Thing Of The Past?

[nannyde]

The school right behind me has swings (many, many swings!) and we take my daughter over there all the time. I LOVE swinging! I don't take the preschoolers, but when I watch just 2 girls (plus DD) in the afternoons I sometimes take them over there.

My son goes to a middle school and elementary complex that started in 2003. They have two playgrounds... a preK and kindy playground and then a first thru fifth grade that has FOUR acres of land. They do not have a swingset on either play ground.

[Kaddidle Care]

Swingsets and climbing equipment will eventually go away just like recess. Too much liability and no adults willing to supervise it or manage the poorly behaving children in an uncontrolled outdoor setting.

This generation of children need really really intensive supervision to keep them from harming themselves or others. It's SO much work and it's SO risky and costly if there are any injuries. Cities and school districts are trying to eliminate as much work and liability as they possibly can.

Ding, Ding, Ding! We have a winner!

First, you actually have to tell the child not to walk in front or behind the swing when it's in use. This requires a child that actually listens and obeys.

2nd, you have to either get on one and SHOW them how to pump or explain it in detail and stand there, watch and encourage them once they can do it.

Yes, it takes adult input and interaction with the child. Too much for some of today's parents.

I brought my son to a park to play one time - he immediately ran off to play with another child there. I kept glancing over from time to time at this man (Daddy I presume) pushing a child on a kiddie swing -( the one's where the child's legs drop through the seat). He was talking on his cell phone the ENTIRE TIME. It was just sad to me.

I'm waiting for bicycles to disappear next. I can't tell you how many children I have taught how to push the pedals down on a trike because they've never been taught or never owned one.

[MissAnn]

Too much liability and no adults willing to supervise it or manage the poorly behaving children in an uncontrolled outdoor setting.

.

Depending on where you live....the rules and regs have gotten to the point that many are taking out any climbers and swing sets. Our regs are about to change and I believe we have to have 9 inches of cushiony material that needs to be raked out evenly daily before children are allowed to use the climbers. Anything over 12 inches is considered a climber. So, it's not people whow are not willing to supervise....but rules and regs that are too expensive and high maintenance.

[pixsydust]

My daycare consultant actually told me NOT to buy a swingset or put swings up anywhere because it was so dangerous and such a liability. I couldn't believe it.

[countrymom]

Does anybody remember those uneven bars at school? We would bring a jacket or sweater so we could twirl without hurting our legs.

I bet those are gone too.

YES!!!! those were the best, and so many kids wanted to go on that you had to wait your turn and sometimes you would spend your whole recesses waiting but once you got on, it was the best thrill, along with the calusses on my hands.

my house has swings, teeter totter and anything a kid wants to be a kid, now at recess my kids can't even bring out balls to play with if the yard is wet.

[sharlan]

Ding, Ding, Ding! We have a winner!

First, you actually have to tell the child not to walk in front or behind the swing when it's in use. This requires a child that actually listens and obeys.

2nd, you have to either get on one and SHOW them how to pump or explain it in detail and stand there, watch and encourage them once they can do it.

Yes, it takes adult input and interaction with the child. Too much for some of today's parents.

I brought my son to a park to play one time - he immediately ran off to play with another child there. I kept glancing over from time to time at this man (Daddy I presume) pushing a child on a kiddie swing -( the one's where the child's legs drop through the seat). He was talking on his cell phone the ENTIRE TIME. It was just sad to me.

I'm waiting for bicycles to disappear next. I can't tell you how many children I have taught how to push the pedals down on a trike because they've never been taught or never owned one.

I had to teach my 8 yo how to ride a bike without training wheels. Even my 3 yo can ride without training wheels. The 8 yo fell 2 weeks ago and got a scratch on his chest, no more bike for him. $120 down the drain.

[Solandia]

I don't like the swings at our park within walking distance. The chains are rubber coated, and not long enough...it doesn't glide easily, so you have to pump harder & it slows down too fast. It is more work than fun, I cant blame the kids for wanting to be pushed.

The park by the high school has the tall, old style swings...I still enjoy swinging on those when we take the girls. You can even do the winding/unwinding yourself to spin in circles.

i do not have a playset at my house, either. With the boys I have, it takes all the fun out of having the darn thing. I do not need anyone jumping/pushing off the top of the slide, or getting kicked on the way down. We have a huge sandbox instead. Even the toddler slide required too much intervention by me. I LOVE being outdoors, but having to be within arms reach of everyone in the backyard would quickly make me dread outside time.