Did you know that it is National Playground Safety Week? Here is a blog post all about being safe that you can take with you beyond the playground.
As a kid, it’s fun to climb trees, explore the unknown, and create magical worlds.
With what seems like an abundance of energy and endless curiosity, kids love to explore the outdoors – which, unfortunately, also comes with a few injuries along the way. And while kids don’t like to be told what not to do (let’s face it, they’ll do it anyway), here are some tips that can help teach your kids how to be safe (and maybe ease your worries a little too).
Road Safety
Roads can be dangerous for anyone, but especially for children caught up in their own magical world. With just a few rules to follow, children can be safe from the dangers of vehicles, traffic, and roads, and give you peace of mind.
- Don’t play near the street
- Never chase after a toy that rolls out onto the street
- Stay away from moving vehicles
- Learn basic traffic rules (traffic lights, crosswalks, look both ways, etc.)
- Wear bright clothing if the yard is near a street
Sports
In the full swing of spring, organized and recreational sports are not only starting up but sports are giving people a reason to go outside and stay active.
- Wear the appropriate equipment
- Wear good footwear
- Warm up before playing a sport
- Stretch afterwards to avoid post-injury
- Know the rules of each sport
Environment
While we can’t control the temperature, we can control some aspects of the environment where our children play. From wearing appropriate seasonal clothing to having a clean yard to maintaining the perfect temperature with smart thermostats, you can be reassured that your children are playing safe outdoors.
- Never leave children completely alone
- Wear the proper attire for the season
- Clear away debris and dangerous equipment
- Keep yard groomed to keep away dangerous animals and tripping hazards.
Animals
Other than our pets, there are many kinds of animals and insects that like to explore as much as our children do. And while some may be harmless, we want to make sure our children know the differences in danger between their pet Spike and a wild skunk or snake.
- Don’t pet an animal that you don’t know
- Don’t feed any wild animals
- Leave nests and other animal homes alone
- Check with an adult before catching an insect and/or bringing it indoors.
Emergency
We hope none of the above hurt our kids, but just to be safe, it’s important to know a few basic emergency services numbers and procedures in the event that something would happen.
- Know basic emergency services numbers
- Older children can learn simple first aid, such as applying pressure, icing an injury, stopping nosebleeds, etc.
- Have a designated neighbor for kids to check in with if their home is too far.
Kids learn by exploring and asking questions (tons of questions), which is also a great way for them to get a little exercise and a lot of knowledge. By being aware of the dangers and teaching children potential hazards, we can keep our kids safe as they explore the world’s backyard.