Backyard Play with your Grandbabies

Backyard play? That might sound like a no-brainer... but the fact is that many of us did not have the time or the training in how to play with our own kids and it is possible that we haven't developed that skill over the years between. This page is just meant to give you a mountain of ideas so that you can always have something to do with your tots... play is so important!

As always, I like to promote SAFETY, ECONOMICS, and FUN, and you can easily achieve all three with backyard play!

Let's start with some of the more classic activities:

The swing set- and here I include all the structures and gizmos that people plant in the ground for their children or grandchildren to swing, twirl, slide, teeter-totter, etc. Attend to safety features such as toddler swing seats with restraints(that can be bought separately and attached to the old swing overhead bars) or the use of harmful chemicals in stains, paints and varnishes that can cause lead and other poisoning. Pressure-treated wood also contains many toxic chemicals that are being investigated as possible carcinogens. If you are thinking of purchasing a new swing set, you will want to look into safety features with the clerk at the store. It is always a good idea for children to wash their hands well after coming in from playing outside so you can certainly monitor that as a habit to be developed.

Most children enjoy being pushed on the swing. Begin by pushing gently from the front so your grandchild can see you and know that s/he will be "caught". Be responsive and attentive to discomfort and fear. Don't 'push the pushing' if it is not a pleasurable experience! Young children are very much into 'mirroring' and if you are relaxed, smiling, enjoying yourself, then they will frequently adopt the same facial expressions and attitude (the opposite is also true of course). Use smooth, soothing movements and don't push too high or for too long. So much more is known about infants and toddlers and whiplash effects than when we were moms... it is crucial to be very careful and gentle when pushing toddlers and small children on swings.

Practice the same safety standards when your grandchildren want to go down a slide or use a teeter totter. You can see how important it is that you are right there with them to share the experience and to keep them safe. Please read these few simple and child-saving guidelines from the Consumer Product Division of Health Canada.

Sandboxes Just like in the old days with your own kids-- lots of fun and pretty safe! Use 'clean' sand (you can 'screen' it yourself) free of contaminants (not good to get it from near a site where there are warnings about 'red tide' or construction sites) and cover it with a tarp to prevent it from being used as a litter box by neighborhood cats. A square preformed plastic paddling pool also doubles as a good sandbox and can be used on a deck or balcony if you don't have the luxury of a backyard. An umbrella is a great addition if it's a very hot, sunny day (otherwise, monitor the amount of time in the sun and use hats and light clothing to cover up). Handwashing after the sandbox is a good plan.

There are lots of toys geared toward sandbox play. You can buy some inexpensive, non-toxic toys in bulk quantities at your local Value Village. Wash them first with a non-toxic soap like Basic H2 and they will be "new" and fun for your grandbabies. Have toy vehicles like dumptrucks, shovels, pails, little people, and other toys that encourage creative interaction or quiet independent play.

Other Classic Backyard Toys, Equipment, and Activities include: playhouses, treehouses, forts (that you build together), paddling pools, gardening, water fights, 'water slides,' picnics, teaparties and gardening tasks. Be right there with the little ones and have a lot of fun at whatever you do together!

Some Less Common Backyard Play might include:

Trampolining and bouncing

Amazon.com Widgets

Go here to read about some of the safety issues. I notice that many of the grandparents in my neighborhood rent bouncers for special occasions such as summer vacation or birthday parties. I guess you could also use your adult rebounder (with a bar and close supervision). I believe that this takes the place of the nefarious jumping-on-beds that took place when a bunch of kids got together in my childhood-- children must bounce! (Please note that most of these toddler bouncers can also be used indoors).

Kids Helping Grans: Now here is something novel: How about doing some actual work with your grandbabies-- or as democratic parenting would describe it: channeling their co-operative joy before they discover it's called a chore. Here are some ideas for outside jobs for children of various ages:

Under 2 years: Collect outside toys and put them where they go. Collect snails in a pail. Park the trike and wagons for the night. Give the pets some water to drink. Put some seeds in the bird feeder.

3 to 5 years: Above chores, plus: Sort outside toys and games and all their pieces) in the proper boxes or bins. Water outside plants. Plants some seeds. Spray weak essential oil solutions on plants. Wipe down the outdoor play table.

6 to 9 years: Above chores, plus: Take indoor plants outside for a gentle shower. Sweep off the patio and porches. Clean off patio table and chairs. Do some easy weeding. Help test the pool or hot tub water. Help balance the pool or hot tub pH. Help clean the pool strainer baskets.

10 to 12 years: Above chores, plus: Mulch plants. Scrub the pool sides.

13 to 17: Previous chores, plus: Wash exterior windows. Mow the lawn. Yardwork such as pruning. Tidy the garage. Check the pool or hot tub filter. Turn the compost pile. Clean up the firepit or barbeque grills.

footer for backyard play page