Saturday, November 19, 2011

Buy Kidstuff Playsystems: Bring a Smile to Your Child

Playing for children has a positive recreational and development effect on children that lasts into adulthood.

The inclusion of physical activities combined with the development of social skills ensures that learning isn't limited to books and lecture rooms. In reality a good way to instruct and educate youngsters is through assorted academic games that also incorporate physical development.

A supervised open playground is the ideal place for kids to explore and develop their confidence. Additionally increased self confidence further enhances their self esteem. Playgrounds and playsystems supply a bonus by permitting youngsters to play and stay socially active at the very same time.

There are unlimited sorts of playground equipment that have both recreational and development values. Some systems have a mix of multiple basic systems built together as one unit. These systems include simple to install additions such as swings, slides, merry go rounds, and see-saws. See-saws are typically seen in most playing areas and parks.

See-saws can be built as do it yourself projects but are also produced commercially. They require a simple technique to be installed. There are the basic two seats see-saw and there are larger ones which have more seats. Group see-saws come with 4, 6, 8 or perhaps 12 seats and the like. These group models offer far more fun on the playground and entertain more youngsters simultaneously.

The benefits of purchasing commercial playsystems and equipment are that: They're available for bulk purchase, with a greater choice of design, and greater price ranges. The newest inclusion in the unending list of play systems include systems constructed from plastics. The traditional standard has been wood and or metal play systems.

Newer playsystems are made of recycled plastic and are guaranteed by the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These plastic systems are light weight so that they can be simply moved and they also supply the needed safety standards. Purchasing from a trustworthy manufacturer guarantees all of the previously mentioned features and more.

Imagine if you will what your child could do with a play system. The activities include but are not limited to: Swinging, sliding, climbing, spinning, shimmy bars, hanging upside down, playing house, and even reading a book. More than enough activity to keep the most active child happily engaged throughout the day.

After considering the many advantages of a play system you need to know how to go about choosing the right system for your family. Consider the following tips:

1. Survey your yard, either front or back. Is the yard grassy or rocky? Is the yard level or does it slope?

2. Does the yard contain potholes? Does the yard hold moisture or excess moisture? Is there safe space around where you are considering putting the play system? If the space around the play system is not safe, can you make the space safe?

When you determine that an outdoor play system is appropriate for your children make sure you investigate the construction of the play system. As a child's parent or an organizational recreation leader, make sure that the equipment is actually safe for the children before you spend any money. Also, check the warranty that comes with the equipment. Different companies have different warranties. Warranties are not uniform from one company to the other.

Many of the big box retailers sell recreational equipment for children. However, since many of these products come from a variety of sources you have to be diligent. There are a few large retailers that may sell play systems that are not safe, cheaply made, and won't last. Playsystems should be considered an investment that exceeds the years of only one child. Do expect your children, their friends, your relatives--and others to use the play systems. You might even be tempted to use the swings once or twice yourself. Make sure the system you choose is a good choice for your family.

The play system you choose should be age appropriate for your children. And the style of the play system chosen should fit your children. Of consideration is whether or not your child has any physical limitations. Nothing is more disheartening than a child seeing the fun had by others when they cannot join in. You may be able to make minor modifications that allow your child to fully participate and play with other children.

When you inspect your play system check for the following:

1. Quality wood that has been pressure treated. Your play system is an investment and should last for many years. Your play system should hold up in all types of weather.

2. Well-built plastic slides that maintain color and stay cool in the sunlight. Sliding boards normally get used more than anything else in the play system. Will the sliding board support a heavy child? Childhood obesity is a growing problem that affects many children. As appropriate, test the slide yourself to make sure it is strong. Also, don't pick a metal slide that you can fry an egg on. Overheated metal slides can produce burns to tender skin. If you choose a metal slide, try to position it so that it does not receive direct sunlight.

3. Inspect all connections, nuts and bolts to make sure they do not extend beyond the surface of the wood or plastic. Exposed nuts and bolts can cause injuries compounded with the risk of tetanus.

4. Inspect the edges and corners of the play system. All surfaces should be sanded, smooth, and round.

5. Are the steps on the play system flat? Children can slip off steps that are not flat.

6. If the swing seats are connected to chains make sure that you add plastic grips that keep your child's fingers from getting stuck between the chain links.

7. Check the ratings of the play system. Don't automatically believe everything the manufacturer says about the play system. Check for reviews under consumer reports.

8. Check the warranty. Read the warranty. Make sure you understand warranty limitations and exclusions. You may also be able to upgrade your warranty.

9. If your play system will be used after the sun sets consider installing solar lights around the play area. You may even consider installing an electrical lighting system with a timer. Just make sure all wires are safely buried and secured from curious young hands.

10. As a final consideration determine if the system was manufactured in the United States. If not then check the safety standards of the country it was made in. Many products are manufactured using International Standard Organization ( ISO ) contracts. These are uniform standards accepted throughout participating countries / industries. Some countries safety standards are not as stringent as in the United States.

Now is the time to shape your child's development. Contact Kidstuff Play Systems now to get a great deal!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Children Need to Play

Article Attribution: Scientific American, January 28, 2009, Melinda Wenner


On August 1, 1966, the day psychiatrist Stuart Brown started his assistant professorship at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, 25-year-old Charles Whitman climbed to the top of the University of Texas Tower on the Austin campus and shot 46 people.

Whitman, an engineering student and a former U.S. Marine sharpshooter, was the last person anyone expected to go on a killing spree. After Brown was assigned as the state’s consulting psychiatrist to investigate the incident and later, when he interviewed 26 convicted Texas murderers for a small pilot study, he discovered that most of the killers, including Whitman, shared two things in common: they were from abusive families, and they never played as kids.

Brown did not know which factor was more important. But in the 42 years since, he has interviewed some 6,000 people about their childhoods, and his data suggest that a lack of opportunities for unstructured, imaginative play can keep children from growing into happy, well-adjusted adults.

“Free play,” as scientists call it, is critical for becoming socially adept, coping with stress and building cognitive skills such as problem solving. Research into animal behavior confirms play’s benefits and establishes its evolutionary importance: ultimately, play may provide animals (including humans) with skills that will help them survive and reproduce.