   
Swing Set Accessories Meet Different Needs for Movement
By Trey Collier
Puzzlingly, kids all across the U.S. are avoiding their expensive backyard swing
sets, and, in some cases, they have abandoned those structures altogether. The big question is "why"? By and large,
parents suppose that their children have grown too big for the backyard playground or simply have become bored with
it, but there may be an entirely separate reason for the lack of interest kids are showing in their own playground
equipment. The standard variety backyard playground sets often come equipped with swings, a slide, and monkey bars.
But, there is no such thing as a standard variety kid. Each child feels the desire to move his or her body in a
variety of unique ways, and standard backyard playground sets don't always meet those needs.
Some kids, for example, simply do not care for the feeling of swinging back and
forth. Instead, they may prefer to spin. Others can become easily nauseated by spinning and look for ways to hang
from their hands or legs. Knowing the different ways that your children prefer to move their bodies will give you
important clues that suggest what kind of swing set accessories to add to existing backyard playground equipment.
Incorporating the proper accessories can save your expensive equipment from neglect and provide kids with a safe
and satisfying place to play.
Swingers - Children who
enjoy the sensation of swinging back and forth may become easily bored with the basic belt swing that usually comes
with backyard swing sets. Glider swings are a different and exciting way to swing alone or with a buddy. Disc
swings, sometimes known as daisy swings, are another available choice. These provide the swinging sensation
together with an upper body challenge. Younger kids who want to swing but who may not be ready for a belt swing or
glider don't have to feel left out; bucket swings and half bucket swings make for excellent beginner and transition
swings. Both are safe and exciting.
Spinners - While spinning
can sicken some children, it feels terrific to others. Kids who prefer to move in circles will love a tire swing
attachment. Tire swings are a fun way to spin with friends, too.
Climbers - Playgrounds
can be equipped with a rope ladder or rock wall feature so that kids who want to climb and stretch their limbs can
meet their needs for whole body movement and motor planning.
Danglers - Hanging
around, whether by the hands or legs, is fun for many children, and it feels terrific on joints and muscles.
Providing a trapeze bar or monkey bars is an easy way to give kids a fulfilling way to "hang out."
Diggers - Many kids are
touch-oriented and love the feel of burying hands and feet in a substance like sand. Backyard play sets can be
easily equipped with a sandbox feature. Sandboxes can often be joined to existing swing sets, or they can be placed
nearby so that our little burrowers can dig to their hearts' content. Sandboxes should always be covered when not
in use, though, so acquiring a sandbox cover is essential for preventing animals from contaminating the sand at
night or during other quiet times.
Explorers and Pretenders - When kids are feeling inspired and inventive, they can take advantage of swing set
accessories like telescopes, periscopes, binoculars, and steering wheels which are attached to the playground
equipment. Other swing set accessories that spark the imagination include talk tubes, play houses, and club houses.
Kids can pretend their way into extraordinary scenarios as long as their swing sets provide the most suitable
features.
In short, if your kids seem to be avoiding your backyard swing set, and instead it
has become a favorite hang out for the spiders to practice web building skills, take a minute to think about the
kinds of body movements your kids enjoy. Does the backyard playground provide your kids ways to move that meet
those needs? If not, try adding a few new swing set accessories that agree with your kids' preferences. You may be
surprised to find the spiders moving out because the swing set is back in full swing!
Trey Collier is owner of BackyardCity.com - Where North America shops for Outdoor Living essentials, including
high quality Swing Set
Accessories.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trey_Collier
http://EzineArticles.com/?Swing-Set-Accessories-Meet-Different-Needs-For-Movement&id=4238230
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