Children’s playground rules: what is really allowed?

In contrast to the outdoor pool, for example, there is no supervisor at the children’s playground to ensure that everyone is behaving correctly. There are also no boards with the individual rules anywhere. So it’s no wonder that parents are often left to their own devices – and follow their own rules.

“Felt” rules on the children’s playground

You have probably already noticed that so-called “perceived” rules apply in the children’s playground. Our mothers from the editorial office are no different. Such rules include:

• No violence! So no hitting, hitting, kicking or pulling hair, throwing sand and pushing.
• Toys are shared if parents and children are okay with that.
• Parents are allowed to intervene if there is a fight between strangers’ children. So as soon as it gets too rough or the children can’t find a solution themselves.
• Never encourage other children to climb just because your child is daring. Only the parents can decide that.
• Never give food to another child without first asking the parents.
• If your child brought toys and another wants to play with them, they should ask themselves or their parents if that’s okay (which they always are, but the gesture counts). Then things should be returned.
• Be considerate of smaller children and please communicate this to the older ones as well.
• Take turns at play equipment. The rule is: EVERYONE can play with everything!
• If a child puts itself in danger and the parents cannot see it, always react or call the parents as soon as possible.

For a togetherness

These “rules” clearly show that parents are very keen on togetherness in the children’s playground. After all, playing and romping should be fun and not annoying. In fact, there are also statutory playground rules in Germany. Here, too, we note that they are designed for the benefit of the playing children:

• The children’s playground is not a youth club
  Most children’s playgrounds are expressly intended for children up to 12 years of age.
• No bike helmet
  This may sound wrong at first, but it is for the safety of the little ones. Because with a bicycle helmet on the climbing frame and on playground equipment, the risk of injury increases.
• Dogs are forbidden
  Families with dogs must ensure that the four-legged friend is leashed away from the children’s playground. On some playgrounds you will also find a corresponding sign that draws your attention to this ban.
• Alcohol and cigarettes are taboo
  Both consumer goods have – as we all know – no place in the vicinity of children. If you are caught with a cigarette near the playground equipment, you can even face a fine.
• Cycling is not permitted
  Since children’s playgrounds are actually always located in traffic-calmed zones, children are of course allowed to cycle around the site. But not on the playground itself.
• Public children’s playgrounds are for ALL children
  A distinction is made between public and private children’s playgrounds, with the former being accessible to both local and non-resident children.
• Midday rest does not apply to the children’s playground
  “Children’s playgrounds are used to let children practice their social behavior,” says the JuraForum. This means that there is a so-called tolerance obligation for residents near a playground. In other words: you have to reckon with the fact that it can get louder between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
• Everyone clears their own rubbish
  Most families bring their own provisions to the playground. Sometimes it can make garbage. Therefore, both parents and children are encouraged to dispose of their own waste properly.