Protecting your kids is your top priority as a parent. However, there needs to be some kind of balance between allowing your kids to learn on their own and be independent while also ensuring that they stay away from harm and danger.
This harm and danger can present itself to your children at any time and in any location, including when they’re playing outside or even in your own backyard. So to help ensure that you’re making fewer trips to the emergency room due to an injury, here are three tips for keeping your kids safe when playing outside.
Protect Them From Water Hazards
While water features make any outdoor area seem more natural and beautiful, they also can be hazardous if your children get into them without adult supervision. Because of this, it’s important that you always watch your children when they’re outside in any area where water is present. Keep in mind that this doesn’t just mean pools. Little children can drown in just a few inches of water, so even puddles or areas where water collects can be dangerous.
For your older children, Dr. Karen Gill, a contributor to Healthline.com, advises that you teach them how to swim as well as making rules about never swimming alone or without someone else there to supervise. While these rules might seem overprotective to your older children, they could just save their life in a potentially dangerous situation.
Prepare For The Environment
Another way that kids can get injured or hurt when outside is if they aren’t prepared for the environment in which they’ll be playing.
According to Lisa Freedman, a contributor to Parents.com, this means that your kids should always dress appropriately for being outdoors in whatever weather that day may bring. This includes wearing a coat and gloves in the winter and wearing light clothing and sunscreen in the summer. You should also be aware of any insects in the area that your kids need to protect themselves against.
Set Playground Rules
Whether your kids are at school or playing at the park, they will likely spend a decent amount of time on playground toys. And while manufacturers try to eliminate risks, if your kids don’t follow certain playground rules, they could wind up getting very hurt.
Dr. Kate M. Cronan, a contributor to KidsHealth.org, recommends that you set playground rules that your children are to follow if they will be allowed on these toys. Your rules should include things like not roughhousing, using slides correctly, avoiding toys when they are wet, and more.
If you want to ensure that your children are as safe as possible when playing outside, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you accomplish this.