You Never Really Know Your Culture's Playground Etiquette Until You Know Another's.

The playground is a microcosm of a society. You see how people interact, what they teach their children, and how they teach it. Which general rules are considered important and need to be taught early to children and how childhood is viewed can all be wonderfully analyzed in the setting of a playground.

In France the parents sit on benches around the playground, and give this time for the children to be together and play on the structures. Some parents take the opportunity to give directives on how the slide is used: you go up the stairs and go down the slide. The other way around is a big no-no. Parents are always careful to instruct their children not to put sand on the slide or other play structures so that no child has to slide through it and get dirty. There is not much chitchat between the parents as everyone is always very careful to respect each other's privacy. The children are often immaculately dressed, and very stylish. It is impressive.

In Spain the kids run barefoot in the sand, they make human chains together to go UP the slide and go DOWN the stairs. When they are done, they co-create a sandcastle on the slide. Possibly with the parent's help. Sometimes the parents slide down with the kids. Parents chat on the benches, and I actually received a semi hug from a perfect stranger when I told her her son was adorable. I found it awkward, but endearing. Someone might even pick up your kid, or offer to hold your baby while you unfold your stroller, or help your toddler up the stairs. The saying: "it takes a village" comes to mind.

This makes me wonder, what is the playground culture of my hometown in Canada? It's always easier to see someone else's culture than your own. I have to think about this. Perhaps it is time to travel home.

The Adorable Son (Spain)