Slyde the Playground Hound; is he a real dog or an imaginary character that you see in cartoons? It depends.

Slyde the Playground Hound; does he really hang out at the local playground using the magic bone on his belts as a tool to tighten nuts and bolts, to ensure that the equipment is safe? It depends.

Slyde the Playground Hound; does he really teach kids how to be safe? Does he have a role in creating a climate of confidence in a child’s ability to master himself/herself in the physical element and social environment of a playground?

Slyde the Playground Hound; do his messages convey to children appropriate behavior while playing outdoors; on the playground at home or at school? It depends. 

On what does it depend? It depends on the willingness of grown-ups, parents, and other leaders of our young people to use Slyde for his intended purposes. And, what is the purpose? It depends.

Diane Krissansen, in her article “Getting Along With Imaginary Friends”, states:

"Imaginary friends are a positive tool in helping children learn about the world and serve many useful purposes.  They allow children to learn about roles and relationships, providing a practice pal for the child's emerging social skills.  They enable children to explore issues of control, discipline, and power, without the anxiety of interacting with real authority figures.  An invisible companion creates a world where the child is in control and calls the shots.”

Slyde the Playground Hound, as real authority figure or an imaginary one, is a tool in the hands of leaders charged with coaching our young people, shaping tomorrow’s leaders; leaders that care about kids.

Slyde is that tool; Slyde is that ageless leader of our children. Let imagination reign. Join Slyde in the effort to teach playground safety awareness; become a Friend of Slyde, Click Here [2]

1.  Diane Krissansen from her article “Getting Along With Imaginary Friends”https://secure.ccie.com/catalog/beginnings-workshop/?view-all [3]