Naturally Playful Climber

ayed games together for a long time. Families enjoyed time outside when they weren't working and going to school. Horseshoes, Frisbees, and other outdoor games were played in groups. They had fun without the benefit of televisions or video games. Through time they stopped doing so much together and all that changed. They started to play video games and utilize computers more and more, and this made a difference in how much time they spent with family members. Video games and computers don't really have anything wrong with them overall. The only 'problem' is that they can isolate people and stop them from interacting as much with the people around them. That's not caused by playing backyard games. Instead these games, like the Cornhole game, work to bring families together. It's a hard to beat combination because they're fun to play and easy as well.

The Cornhole game ? sometimes called the bean bag game ? can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Elderly people and young children can all play it. No matter what the age or the skill level of the individual there are plenty of hours of enjoyment for him or her in the backyard with friends, a board, and weighted cloth bags. If you're more adventurous and want to do something fun with the family, you can also build a Cornhole game. Anyone with basic woodworking tools and skills can make a Cornhole board, and the bags can be either sewn on a machine or by hand. There are free instructions available on the Internet for anyone who isn't sure about making their own Cornhole board. Just make sure you go through a reputable Cornhole dealer's Website so you get instructions that are easy to follow and will work right the first time. If you don't, you might not end up with a beautiful game, and you might instead have a lot of frustration.

The popularity of backyard games is coming back as more people in this country and others are starting to rediscover their values and their joy of family time. People who are doing this want to use their finite amount of time very wisely. One of the best uses of their time is to make memories with members of their family. With no one feeling left out and everyone able to play it, the Cornhole game is one of the easiest ways to accomplish this. With Frisbee, badminton, and horseshoes, and with other similar games, there are always some people who can't play. Generally these are people who are stuck on the sidelines because they aren't strong or athletic enough to play, like young children and the elderly. With the Cornhole game, you never have to worry about this, and all your family and friends can have a good time together.

By: Dave Roth

like almost every week, we hear about how our children are overweight. I'm not sure about you, but I particularly hate the hear word "obese" when describing a child. It may sound like I am on a soapbox, but before we put our children on medication for the rest of their lives, it is our job as parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other favored adults to help our children get outside and get active.

Many of us can relate to what it is like to be overweight. I didn't have too much of a problem until after high school but throughout my adult life I have been going up and down in weight. Currently? My weight is good but it's an everyday struggle to watch what I eat and make sure I get enough exercise - and I'm almost 50 and I am in control of my body. I'm sure many of you reading this can relate to that comment. Now imagine being 5 and really not in control of yourself. It's up to your family to make sure you get exercise and eat properly, right?

One thing our children need today is encouragement to get out of the house and play. So as parents, how can we encourage our kids to be active every single day? Signing your kids up for an outdoor team sport such as baseball, soccer, or tennis is a great way if you are able to afford the weekly fees and cost of getting your child started. If this isn't an option for you, investing in a few outdoor toys will help motivate your children to venture outdoors.

Why outdoor toys? Outdoor toys are helpful in developing many skills during children's playtime. In addition, outdoor toys are an excellent way for children to enjoy the fresh air and get some exercise at the same time while tending to be durable and easy to clean. Playhouses, climbing frames, trampolines, pedal cars, and swing sets are some of the most popular outdoor toys purchased by families today but don't forget about classic outdoor games such as hopscotch, tag, kickball and more.

Kids love board games and they will always be classic way for children to learn simple skills like math, color balance and coordination. These toys are available in giant versions which you can take outside, giving more space, fresh air and getting the children out of the house. Some great choices to consider in this category are an outdoor bowling set, soccer set or t-ball set for smaller children and playhouses. Also, many of the toys in this category may be brought in the house during the cooler months and played indoors.

Don't forget water! What child doesn't love to play in the water? Kiddie pools are available in many popular character themes such as pirates and dinosaurs, different colors and many with built in activity stations. The pool toys you select will only add to the enjoyment with water guns and canons, kick boards, lifejackets, inflatable water wings, retrieval toys, rafts and loungers, inflatable sharks, tubes, inflatable basketball hoops, seat rings and beach balls to name a few.

Investing in a few outdoor toys will help make outdoor playing time enjoyable for your children - and you too!

By: Denise Sanger

Remember how much fun it was when you were a child and you would go to the park and get to play on the playground with the swings and big slides? You kept wishing that you could have that playground in your own backyard. With today's wooden swing sets, it is possible to have a sophisticated playground right in your own backyard for your children to enjoy. You will also have the security of knowing that a wooden swing set is more stable than the metal A-frame designs. You even have the ability to tailor your swing set to the age of your children, changing components as they grow.

Once you decide to purchase a swing set, one of the first considerations you will need to make is whether or not you want to custom design it. With so many styles and designs available, you may find one (or more) that is perfect for your children. Think about the activities that you know your kids enjoy. If they like climbing, a rock wall and monkey bars are necessities. If they enjoy playing in contained spaces, such as homemade fort or clubhouse, you may want to include one as part of the swing set.

Many children are intimidated by heights. While they often grow out of this, you will want to consider this fear in your swing set purchase. Many designs include several tiered levels that are exited from tall slides. There are many features that can be used to reach these elevations, including ladders, rock walls, and ramps. The beauty of wooden swing sets is that these features can be easily changes, so consider what may be the easiest and safest for your children until they become comfortable with the heights.

Many people enjoy designing the entire layout of their swing set. If you fall into this category, your shopping will involve finding the accessories that you need, such as swings, monkey bars, and slides. Again, wood swings sets make it easy to change these features to enhance the value and enjoyment of the swing set. You will also need to find the hardware necessary, so consider a source that packages as many of these items together as possible.

There are many swing set kits that you can purchase that include all of the materials that you need, including the lumber. The advantage to these sets is that the wood is pre-cut and pre-drilled, so the assembly is easy. While the swing set kit is made for its specific architecture, you still have the option to substitute parts, such as swings. Swing belts are great for older children, but if you have a toddler, a bucket swing may be more appropriate for now. For some variation, consider substituting a standard swing for a glider or tire swing. You can also find many items to accessorize other parts of your swing set, from ship wheels to tic-tac-toe panels.

Regardless of whether you create your own design or choose a pre-designed model, today's wooden swing sets are sturdy and customizable, making them the perfect backyard accessory for your children, and one that they can participate in the planning of. You will feel confident knowing that the swing set is made of durable wood that will keep it strong and looking great for many years.

By: Stephanie Foldy

American made kids toys and children's furniture are gaining in popularity for a number of reasons. They are well made of safe materials and support American manufacturers. The educational toys are fun, the kid sized furniture is sturdy and attractive, money and jobs stay in the US - everybody wins when you buy American made kid's furniture and educational toys!

Quality And Safety

Parents are concerned about the quality and safety of imported goods, particularly if those products are used by or around their children. American made children's furniture and toys offer a level of security that is missing from imported items, How many times have you bought a toy or piece of kids' furniture, only to have it fall apart after just a few weeks? Even worse, have you ever worried about the safety of the materials that do into these kids toys and child sized furniture?

The repeated recalls of Chinese-made toys is frightening and frustrating. How can we be sure that the toys we give our kids are safe? Kids furniture and educational toys made in the US are subject to stringent quality control. When you purchase American made toys and kids' furniture, you can be confident that your kids will love them and that they are safe and durable, too.

Fun And Style

You cannot beat American made kids' furniture for quality and style. There is a vast variety of finishes, styles and looks to satisfy parents and children's taste. From outdoor kids furniture and outdoor swing set / play sets, children's bedroom furniture, kids desks, child sized chairs and floor coverings, American made toys and furniture will last for generations and look great doing it.

American made toys are some of the "funnest" around. Building blocks, backyard wooden sandboxes or sand boats, pretend kitchens, battery powered kids cars, pedal cars...don't you wish you were a kid again? Quality materials, non-toxic paints, finishes and materials and thoughtful designs let your kids' imaginations run wild -- safely.

Socially And Environmentally Smart

Overseas manufacturers are not subject to the same level of environmental regulation as are American manufacturers. Toxic materials are not only incorporated into some of these products, but the manufacturing process itself can pollute the air and water. Workers, too, are often exposed to dangerous chemicals.

By purchasing kids furniture and toys made in the US, you will help the local and national economy, support American manufacturing and American manufacturing jobs. You can also be sure that the conditions under which the products were produced are safe and workers treated fairly.

It is more important than ever to purchase American made toys and kids furniture. It is a safer choice for our kids, a better choice for our economy and a smarter choice for our environment.

Buy quality! Support American industry by buying toys made in the US. When you purchase American made kids' furniture and toys, you can be sure that you're getting safe, top quality products. Your kids deserve the best so visit AmericanMadeToysNFurniture.com today!

By: Ron Loeffler

What better surprise for a child than a fantastic playground in your own backyard. There are few things children love more than slides, swing sets, and playgrounds in general. Instead of making the trek to your neighborhood park, installing a playground in your own backyard is a great solution. There is a spectacular selection of quality playground equipment on the market, but the main choice you will have to make is between the actual materials. There many reasons why to make a backyard playground, but evaluate the differences between metal and wooden sets carefully before your purchase.

Regardless if you choose a piece of wooden or metal playground equipment, be sure that it follows all the proper safety standards. Also, keep in mind that children each year are injured by improperly playing on playground equipment without appropriate supervision. Even though this playground is in your own backyard instead of at the neighborhood park, your children should still play under adult supervision.

Years ago, most playground equipment was made from metal. Even today, most swing sets are still made from metal tubes attached to which is a chain. Metal equipment, although still available, has been far surpassed by wooden equipment. The main reason for the rise in popularity of wooden playground equipment is the customizations options. Also, many individuals choose wooden playground equipment since it can be built for less money than the purchase of a metal play set.

If you are the handy type looking to build your own fantastic outdoor playground creation, then wood is the best way to go. There are numerous kits that allow you to combine different types of slides, swings, climbing walls, and a variety of other aspects to customize the set. The planning and construction process required in creating wooden playground equipment is a great project for the entire family. Involve your children and allow them to express themselves in creating a custom set. Let your imagine roam wild!

Picking up a hammer and nails not sounding so attractive? Look to pre-made sets instead. Although you will not be able to customize the equipment, there are many fantastic options available in both metal and wood. Keep in mind that metal equipment should be regularly inspected to avoid and prevent rusting. If necessary, apply a rust-preventative paint or topcoat. Also, wooden playground equipment should also be evaluated for potential splits or splinters. Just like metal equipment, those made out of wood should have the proper weather coatings to keep the wood looking fresh.

By: Doug Mahopac

Playgrounds and outdoor playground equipment can offer your child enjoyment, fresh air, and exercise, but they can also pose some safety hazards. Faulty equipment, improper surfaces, and careless behavior are just a few of the dangers that cause children on playgrounds to visit hospital emergency departments. To ensure that your children have the safest playground environment possible, follow these guidelines.

• In the United States, a child is injured on a playground every 2 1/2 minutes. • More than 200,000 children each year are treated in emergency departments for playground-related injuries. • More than 75% of playground injuries occur on a public playground. • Most playground injuries involve falls, and over half of the time the child's head and face is hurt. • Most of these injuries are preventable with proper supervision and safer playground equipment and design.

You can make the playground a place that's entertaining and safe for your children by checking equipment for potential hazards and following some simple safety guidelines. In addition, teaching your kids how to play safely is important: if they know the rules of the playground, it's less likely they'll become injured.

Safety Guidelines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funds the National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS), which works to prevent playground-related injuries by establishing detailed guidelines for safe playgrounds. According to the NPPS, the most important factors in evaluating the safety of any playground are surface, design and spacing, equipment installation, and maintenance.

The following types of equipment are not meant for safe playgrounds:

• animal figure swings • glider swings that hold more than one child at a time • swinging ropes that can fray, unravel, or form a noose (any kind of rope attached to play equipment poses a strangulation hazard, so never let your child tie jump ropes or leashes onto the equipment) • exercise rings (as used in gymnastics) and trapeze bars • Monkey bars: although people use the terms monkey bars, jungle gyms, and climbing equipment interchangeably, actual monkey bars are a specific type of climbing equipment with interior bars onto which a child may fall from a height greater than 18 inches. In the early 1980s, the CPSC stated that monkey bars were unsuitable for playgrounds. • trampolines: these are never appropriate for safe playgrounds

By: James Hunt

The number one online toy shop in the UK Toys Games Gifts are expanding their outdoor toy range with some exciting new outdoor toys for the Summer.

We have expanded our choice of Aquaplay toys with a wider choice of accessories to allow you to extend your Aquaplay sets easily. We stock the biggest range of Aquaplay in the UK.

We also have available a selection of outdoor toys for garden fun and creative play for children.

Trampolines are a {great toy|fun experience] for all the family and they are built to last for years, require no maintenance, are easy to put together or take down. Trampolines are a great way of encouraging exercise outdoors for children of all ages and help to improve balance, coordination, stamina and strength.

Trampoline enclosures and safety nets are also available for all circular trampolines together with other trampoline

accessories. Choose from our range of robust and superb quality Trampolines.

Other outdoor toys available online are Climbing frames in wood or steel, slides for your garden, swing sets from single to double swings, kids play houses, Garden Toys from kids play pools, see saws to garden slides and outdoor games sets that offer great fun for your kids. We also have available various shape sandpits made from plastic or wood from sand and water tables to larger roof sandpits

Parents and nurseries want to provide safety for their kids and before buying outdoor toys it is worth considering the environment you will be using. Playground safety surfaces are available from specialist outlets where you can install a range of surfaces from play bark, lawn and grass mats, play tiles or wetpour.

All these amazing toys can be purchased from ToysGamesGifts online shop. We deliver to worldwide destinations

By: Dexter Sllew

Kids have distinct individualities amid influence by ancestry. Regardless of social status, they share common interests on toys that vary from expensive types to fabricated or improvised ones.

Signature toys that command price belong to the moneyed people while the less fortunate kids make the best devise their young minds can manage to produce. This distinctive privilege to possess quality toys for kids against inability of many to own one invites innovation and imaginative output from the kids' sensitivity and awareness to creativity.

A young man narrated how his fondness of fancy toys harnessed his innovative potentials that stemmed from his desire to owning the type of toys deprived of him by poverty when he was a kid. Sneaking from the high perimeter concrete fence walling off the subdivision from the squatters' area where he grew up, he watched kids of the rich families play with their luxury toys flying by remote control.

The desire transformed into ambition minus the aid of formal education. The young man succeeded devising some flying toys for kids that he keeps for his own kids when he raises a family of his own. In altering our external existence and connection to it, we must know that even though most of the outside world is seemingly not in our control, we can control our habits pertaining to it by realigning our essential preferences that alter our genetics as well.

Consider the super hero characters seen from movies and televisions. Toy manufacturers virtually reproduce the characters in miniature sizes that draw outright market patronage contributory to the new trend of toy products. However, original and patented manufactured toys bearing price dominion limits distribution among the elites, hence local manufacturers produce similar yet lesser quality toys to cater affordability to the masses. As such, prices become insignificant but the prevailing trend of the new fashionable toys, generally distributed worldwide.

Survey showed that among the character building toys for kids are the following:

? Robots

? Toy planes, cars, and trucks

? Super hero characters

? Dolls of different identities

? Toys of animal kingdom

? Diminutive kitchen utensils

Our environment is one of the premises in our existence. Instead of learning the lessons life has given us, we play with it to adorn ourselves in it mostly. We can easily be misguided by this in our evolution process, and begin to believe we can survive without the environment, or create our own somehow. Maybe because we never get out of here until we get it right. We use up all the energy, but where does it go back but into the original dimension from whence it came for further utilization.

In this case, our true essence sits within our spirit power and our connections to the energy we use, transform, dispose of, and interact with, through all these states of consciousness. It would be critical to balance the whole process in order to learn what our real nature is, and possible realities beyond our assumption experienced.

By: Rachel Nunez

Safety of Playground Equipment

Playgrounds, adorned with the latest outdoor play equipment and structures, are great venues for children to develop their motor abilities, cognitive aptitude, and socializing skills. But sometimes, playgrounds pose hazards to children, even if all their child playground equipment have met and satisfied every safety standard.

Children are daredevils. They do most things regardless of the consequences that follow, even if that means getting themselves into trouble. They are also naturally impulsive and mischievous. They are always curious and are always on their toes for the opportunity to discover something new or fun. If left on their own, they sometimes inadvertently hurt themselves, even in playgrounds.

Every 150 seconds, a child in the United States gets injured in a playground-related activity. Over 200,000 children are brought to hospitals for playground-connected injuries, most of which are bad falls to hard surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, or ground. Most of these injuries are avoidable if proper security and safety restrictions are enforced.

But while children cannot practice the measures of safety, fortunately their parents, their guardians, and those who make outdoor play equipment can.

While giving children a lecture on playing and keeping safe is a good idea, children most of the time disregard or forget these warnings and precautions in the spirit of fun. For parents and guardians, constant supervision is a key when keeping their child out of harm’s way. Looking out for hazards such as slippery spots in the trail or checking playground equipment or play structures before a child uses it are just some of the things parents and guardians can do to prevent accidents or injuries from playing on or near outdoor play equipment.

A child playground or any outdoor playground equipment must be installed with the following for safety purposes:

• Protective surface – bad falls are the most frequent kind of accident that happens on playgrounds. To prevent or minimize the damage, every outdoor playground equipment or play structure must be floored with 12 inches of resilient and protective surfacing materials such as rubber and sponge-like materials. This protective surfacing provides a cushion for any fall from a play structure like a swing, seesaw, or monkey bars.

• Guard rails – the absence of these protective railings on small bridges, walkways, platforms, and ramps can lead to accidental falls. Guard rails and other protective barriers must also be attached to play structures that are elevated from the ground.

• Cameras – parents and guardians cannot always keep watch over their children, so a camera in a playground is a useful and sound addition for safety and security purposes.

A playground’s design should cater to the spacing requirement of its child playground equipment. In most cases, a playground is separated into two areas; one area for the 0-5 year olds (preschool children) and 5-12 year olds (school-age children). A safe playground must have its outdoor playground equipment and other play structures labeled with the age bracket of children that they have been designed for.

Playground equipment and other play structures that are higher than 30 inches must be spaced at least 9 feet apart. For swings, the recommended seats per bay are a maximum of two, and must be spaced at least 24 inches apart from each other, and from the supporting framework at least 30 inches. Swings for tots must have their own bay.

Certain playground equipment have openings that can trap a child’s head; they can enter feet first but their heads get stuck dangerously. It is recommended that child playground equipment manufacturers should design gaps in their products to be less than 3 ½ inches; otherwise they should be wider than 9 inches.

Metals are excellent conductors of heat and if exposed too long under the sun, can cause third degree burns upon contact. Outdoor playground equipment made of metal such as metal slides, jungle gyms, and monkey bars that are directly exposed to the sun must not be used by children during sunny weather. Metal-made playground equipment must not be used when they show signs of rust or if they have any twisted or protruding parts that can cut or pierce.

Maintenance and inspection by the playground management must be done to ensure that all playground equipment is safe for use and that children are insured from any preventable accidents.

Though parental supervision is paramount to children’s safety in playgrounds, teaching kids to act responsibly is still a must to complete the safety equation. Parents should instill in their children the following:

• Follow the instructions that are labeled on every playground equipment;

• Do not push or harass other children while using outdoor playground equipment;

• Wear sneakers while playing to prevent from slipping (depending on the playground equipment, a child may be required to take his or her shoes off);

• Be patient when waiting for a turn on any particular piece of playground equipment.

Playgrounds are meant to be a place where children spend their time in leisure, not in danger. But still, parents and guardians must be vigilant to prevent accidents from happening.

By: David Christopher

As parents, we put our all into making our homes safe for our children. We keep chemicals and medicines out of reach, place locks and covers on cabinets, toilet lids, and electrical outlets. We are careful about everything, and every one, that comes into our home. Yet despite our best efforts, some dangers remain.

Recent tragedies and the resulting recalls of products manufactured for children have made us look hard at everything our children touch. In an effort to protect my own child, I have been scouring recall lists and other safety information. Along the way, I made a shocking discovery. One of the top hidden dangers for children is something we all have in our homes: furniture. In fact, furniture tipovers are #3 on the list of hidden dangers for children according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, right behind magnets and recalled toys.

While numbers vary according to the reporting agency, each year thousands of people are injured from falling furniture. Many of these injuries are sustained by children; some of them fatal. For a truly heartbreaking story, visit the Lambert family’s website. The Lamberts lost their beautiful daughter when a wardrobe fell on her in her bedroom. In her memory the family has launched a website

and a campaign to educate the public about the dangers of furniture tipovers.

As the mother of an active 2-year-old, I know how fast things can go wrong. The doorbell rings, the pot boils over, the buzzer on the dryer beckons, and the child who was playing quietly when I left the room might be climbing the bookshelf when I return. Most tipover accidents occur, in fact, when a child is alone. But we know it is impossible to watch a child every second of the day, and children need places in the home where they are completely safe, even alone, for a few moments. Home is their haven, the place to explore and experience their first taste of independence.

The Lamberts have lobbied congress to put warnings on furniture that could easily tip over on a child. But warnings notwithstanding, only parents can make sure our children are safe from harm. While there is no way to eliminate every danger a child faces, below are a few tips to help make your home and furnishings as safe as possible.

TVs: TVs are interesting, awkward, and heavy, perfect candidates for little climbers. Make sure you place them low to the ground on a stable piece of furniture. And never put remote controls, favorite DVDs, or anything else that might tempt a child on top of the TV.

Placement of Toys: This “temptation factor” applies to the whole home. Never put toys, pictures, or any coveted items in a position that will encourage a child to climb on a bookshelf, a dresser, or any unstable surface.

Heavy Objects: Never place heavy objects like books or speakers on top shelves. Put them low on the shelves, or secured in cabinets.

Discourage Children from Climbing on Furniture: It is easier for a child to understand “never” than to discern which piece of furniture might be dangerous.

Purchasing New Furniture: When possible, choose furniture that is set on a wide, sturdy base, rather than legs. Test it to see if it will tip over by pushing on edges.

Pack Dressers from Bottom Up: This way it will be bottom-heavy instead of top-heavy.

Secure Furniture with an Anti-Tip Device: Some items, like dressers, wardrobes, bookshelves and hutches, cannot be secure on their own. For such furniture, purchase an anti-tip device. Examples of anti-tip devices include safety straps or “L” brackets. Hangman Products makes an excellent, easy-to-install product called the Anti-Tip Kit. The Lamberts list it on their site, and you can find it at the Hangman Store.

Sheila Gallien is a noted screenplay consultant who also writes articles on picture hanging and home and workplace organizing systems in her spare time. For more information on framing please go to http://www.hangmanstore.com or http://www.hangmanproducts.com.

By: Sheila Gallien