If you are a parent, you have probably been there; lifting a child to an overhead activity they want to try. But should we be lifting and assisting children on these activities or leaving them to fend for themselves?

Playgrounds are often designed with a target age range of children in mind. All the activities are specifically designed to challenge the children they are designed for, both physically and mentally. What this means is that the activities are designed to extend a child’s abilities as they grow.

Many accidents that occur on playgrounds happen due to a parent, caregiver, teacher or peer lifting or assisting the child onto an activity that they are not strong enough or confident enough to complete. Every child has different capabilities. If they can reach the activity themselves, without help (but with supervision) then let them do it.

As they grow and develop children will naturally extend themselves and take up challenges that only weeks prior, they could not achieve. So, let them challenge and help themselves. You will see their strength and coordination develop and their confidence grow.