Family Room: Playground Article Archives
Tales from the Real World: Examples of Child-Friendly Places
In the Video Store:
We've all witnessed a weary parent braving the glares of the store manager and other customers while the children, for lack of more creative stimulation, pull video boxes off the shelves. Imagine what a difference it would make if the video store provided a corner for children - with small chairs, a few toys and a children's video playing on a small monitor. The area around the monitor could be used to display the store's selection of children's videos, making the most of valuable floor space.
In a Neighborhood Restaurant:
A mother and infant are dining alone, and the baby starts fussing and crying. She's come early, to avoid crowds and delays in service, and she's done her best to soothe the child. But the child won't be quieted. Down swoops the cashier or head waiter, offering to hold the child for a minute or two. She carries him around the restaurant, pointing out fish in a tank or artwork on the walls, and offers him a simple, brightly-colored toy. In minutes, a happy baby is delivered back to her seat next to mother, quiet and content to explore the shape of the toy. And the mother is able to finish her meal!
(We recommend smooth wooden toys with no small parts. Some plastics may be toxic to infants and children, and small parts present choking hazards. Wash all toys frequently using mild, non-toxic cleansers.)
At the Airport:
We've all suffered along with families delayed at the airport with nothing but hours ahead of them, the new coloring books having lost their thrill, and everyone bored and frustrated. Add hunger to this mix and the situation can be explosive. Ever tried to find healthy, nutritious food at an airport? Newer airports often feature kid's play areas - safe, gated indoor playgrounds where kids can burn off extra energy. In Phoenix, there are play mats and play tables located every few hundred feet in the seating areas between gates. Now imagine a comprehensive children's menu at the deli, with healthy choices like simple pastas, fruit juices and child-sized sandwiches. What a difference that would make!
On the Plane:
One of our favorite real-world stories was told to us by the head of philanthropic giving at a major corporation. He had recently endured a long plane flight, seated next to a bad-tempered business man. A few rows away, an understimulated toddler melted down and started to wail. The business man leaned to our friend and said, "they shouldn't let those little brats on airplanes if they can't shut up and behave." Our friend had a much better idea. He got up from his seat and approached the weary mother. With her permission, he started talking to the child and engaged him in a few minutes of play. It was all the child needed, the crying stopped, and the rest of the flight was pleasant for all.
At the Department Store:
What caretaker doesn't have horrific tales to tell about diapering a baby in a public places where no safe and sanitary changing area has been provided? Take the example Nordstrom's has set: each of their restrooms features a well-appointed anti-room with comfortable chairs, low-lighting, and a nook with a diaper changing table and small sink. Perfect for breast-feeding or simply taking a short break while shopping with kids, this setting has made Nordstrom's the shopping mother's department store of choice in downtown San Francisco.
Each of these vignettes represent a potential lose-lose scenario. By failing to take a few simple steps to welcome and accommodate children, establishments may lose future business, while parents lose confidence and children lose their sense of belonging in the world.
We believe that making the choice to become child-friendly will make a world of difference - not just for our children, but for all people, businesses and organizations that make up a community. When children are valued and their needs are met, parents relax, children thrive and communities unite.
Got a great real-world tale to tell?
Send it to us.