Outdoor environments are important to children's development of independence and autonomy. Outdoor space allows children to gradually experiment with increasing distance from their caretaker. A safe space outdoors greatly adds to the ability of children to naturally experiment with independence and separation, and the adult's willingness to trust the child's competence which is essential for separation to happen.
There should always be a line of sight to each child on the playground. Adult supervision is very important. However, children need to learn to be independent, to be given space, and to test their boundaries. This can happen when they are allowed to play without you hovering over them, given opportunities to run without holding a hand, given chances to choose and not be told. They need to learn to make choices and to feel confidence in their choices. Some choices will even hurt but better to offer opportunities now, with supervision and a hug waiting when they need you.
Related training:
Recognizing Levels of Social Play (.1 CEU/1 Hour)
Child Self Esteem (.1 CEU/1 Hour)
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