As a modern parent we are faced with so many purchasing decisions when it comes to our children that we are often left quite bewildered. There seems to be more and more merchandise on offer than ever before, leaving parents with the difficult task of trying to decipher between what their child needs, what they want and what will provide them with the most enjoyment.

A jungle gym wins hands down in so many of these areas. In South Africa we have a fantastic climate with wonderful summers, but we are also faced with the current security challenges of our society today. A jungle gym is a great investment, allowing your child to play outside but still within the safety of the home environment. Jungle gyms are a lasting investment in that they are often bought for the eldest sibling, yet land up serving the entire family over many years. Besides their entertainment value, jungle gyms provide children with an opportunity to develop their gross motor coordination skills as well as their fine motor coordination skills while enjoying the freedom of outdoor play. Other benefits include developing eye-hand coordination and improving muscle tone. In particular, domestic jungle gyms, which are specifically designed for home use, allow your child to expel a bit of energy and do what children do best, play.

Here are some reasons why your child should be playing on a jungle gym:

• Mary McCabe, a leading expert in physical education and health of young children cites more than 80 brain research studies that suggest that the development of motor skills (movement) helps to facilitate academic readiness and learning. "The research suggests children can raise their achievement level, increase their motivation, their understanding, accelerate their learning timeline, and expand their creativity through motor skills, music, and proper nutrition”, says McCabe.

• Swings offer one of the best opportunities for a child to develop balance and coordination, as the movement of swinging is a form of stimulation (inner ear development) and is important to the development of the motor patterns that enable a child to read. When children learn to swing, they are developing a higher level of balance, coordination, and spatial awareness that translate to sequencing skills and, ultimately, academic readiness.

A well-developed playground environment can greatly enhance a child's overall physical and mental development, making playgrounds more than just fun.

For more information visit: www.bratpack.co.za

Posted: 26 August 2009

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