To create a wholesome play center in your backyard you can install a seesaw, in addition to a swing and a slide set. A seesaw, also known as a teeter-totter, is a long narrow board balanced in the exact center, so that as one end goes up, the other comes down. A child sits on each end and takes turns pushing their feet against the ground to lift their end in the air. A seesaw will keep your children occupied while attracting neighborhood children. However, seesaws are usually recommended for older children and are not advisable for preschoolers. Care should be taken that seesaws have a spring-centering device to prevent abrupt contact with the ground.

Varieties:

Two variations of seesaws are generally available in the market. One is a parallel see saw that can go up and down, and round and round. This is made of either metal or UV reinforced plastic and can be locked in position for safety. The second version is a wooden seesaw, which is constructed of robust timber and will go up and down and round and round.

Safe Use:

Generally, there are a few safety tips to keep in mind while purchasing a seesaw for the backyard.
1. Seesaw seats should only seat only one child at a time. Weight should be equally balanced between the two seats. Never permit an imbalance where one child is heavy and another comparatively light. If a heavier child hits the ground suddenly after jumping or exits the seesaw at the bottom, the lighter child may fall and be injured.
2. That is why seesaws should be mounted above a soft surface such as foam or wood chips.
3. Again, children should sit facing each other and not turned around.
4. The children's feet should be free on the sides, never underneath the seesaw. Kids should hold on tightly to the handles of the seesaw with both hands.
5. Another precautionary measure is to keep distance from a seesaw in motion. Children should not stand beneath a seesaw or try to climb onto a moving seesaw. With these precautions, a see saw may turn into a fun activity.

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