Keeping kids safe on the playground
The weather outside is perfect for kids to head outside to the playground.
For many families, going to the park is their children’s number one request.
Your child can do many fun things while there.
They’ll get the chance to run, swing, play around and even meet new friends.
But how safe is it?
Most parents struggle with the common balancing act of trying to ensure that their children are safe fostering a sense of adventure and freedom. Playing is critical to your child’s development as it’ll encourage their physical and problem-solving skills. Let your child explore under your supervision. You know your child best.
While playgrounds are an excellent source of fun, they can also be a leading source of injuries. Many accidental injuries happen on the playground due to equipment that’s broken or in ruin. Although many injuries are just minor scrapes or cuts, it’s possible for your child to incur a more serious injury. It’s important for parents to make sure that faulty equipment, improper surfaces and careless behaviour don’t ruin the fun. Make the playground entertaining and safe for your kids by checking equipment for potential hazards.
Here are a few ways on how you can look after your child and keep them safe on the playground.
Firstly, make sure it’s safe
Before going on any of the equipment, take a walk through the park to ensure that it’s safe. This can be part of your exercising routine. Make sure it’s secure and free of obvious dangers such as broken glasses. Try to avoid playgrounds that have concrete, dirty or grassy surfaces. Those materials will not absorb the impact of a fall, which could lead to a more serious injury. During your walk, also look for signs of damaged or broken equipment. The platforms of slides and jungle gyms should have secure railings to secure kids from falling.
You should supervise
Keeping an eye on your little ones is a must. When you’re taking a break from playing with them, make sure you have clear visibility. If your kids are still small, then you have to get on the equipment with them or stand at least within arm’s reach of them. You’ll be right there to respond and assess if they get injured. It’ll also help to prevent them from wandering out of the area and getting lost. If you have older children, they wouldn’t want you to stand next to them the whole time. And for that, you can observe from a distance and only come closer when they need you. There is also a lot of fighting and bullying happening on the playground nowadays, therefore your presence will immediately make it a safer space.
Check the weather
The warm weather may be inviting but it’s not always good to have your kid in the hot sun for too long. Skip metal slides and steps that are directly in the sun, rather opt for equipment that is more in the shade. You can test the temperature of the equipment by pressing your hand onto it. If it rained the night before, be sure to look out for puddles and stagnant water that didn’t properly drain from the playground. The shade will help prevent your kids from getting sunburn. Also, don’t forget to bring water along to keep yourself and the kids hydrated.
Choose the right equipment
Another reason for injuries taking place is because the kids aren’t using equipment that was designed for their size or age level. Look for posted signs about age or weight restrictions. Some playgrounds have separate play areas for kids of different ages. Allowing a small child to play on equipment that is not meant for them increases their risk of experiencing a fall. For instance, you get different size jungle gyms for the different age groups. Make sure your kid uses the right one. Do your best to guide and assist them to the equipment that’s best suited for their age and size.
Dress for the occasion
You have to make sure your kids are dressed in clothing that will keep them safe and comfortable. They should wear clothes that you don’t mind getting stained or torn as playgrounds can be dusty, dirty and muddy. Don’t let them wear clothes that have a loose fit that could get caught or snagged on rails. Another thing not to wear is necklaces or scarves that may get caught around their necks. Let them wear closed athletic shoes and a hat for the sun. Apply sunscreen as you’ll be spending time outdoors.
Remember that your kids’ safety comes first. The playground is a great place to spend time with your kids. Remember to keep your eyes on them and set rules in advance to ensure they know what to do and what not to do.
Poleyard
ShowME
Keeping kids safe on the playground
The weather outside is perfect for kids to head outside to the playground. For many families, going to the park is their children’s number one request. Your child can do many fun things while there. They’ll get the chance to run, swing, play around and even meet new friends. But how safe is it?
Most parents struggle with the common balancing act of trying to ensure that their children are safe fostering a sense of adventure and freedom. Playing is critical to your child’s development as it’ll encourage their physical and problem-solving skills. Let your child explore under your supervision. You know your child best.
While playgrounds are an excellent source of fun, they can also be a leading source of injuries. Many accidental injuries happen on the playground due to equipment that’s broken or in ruin. Although many injuries are just minor scrapes or cuts, it’s possible for your child to incur a more serious injury. It’s important for parents to make sure that faulty equipment, improper surfaces and careless behaviour don’t ruin the fun. Make the playground entertaining and safe for your kids by checking equipment for potential hazards.
Here are a few ways on how you can look after your child and keep them safe on the playground.
Firstly, make sure it’s safe
Before going on any of the equipment, take a walk through the park to ensure that it’s safe. This can be part of your exercising routine. Make sure it’s secure and free of obvious dangers such as broken glasses. Try to avoid playgrounds that have concrete, dirty or grassy surfaces. Those materials will not absorb the impact of a fall, which could lead to a more serious injury. During your walk, also look for signs of damaged or broken equipment. The platforms of slides and jungle gyms should have secure railings to secure kids from falling.
You should supervise
Keeping an eye on your little ones is a must. When you’re taking a break from playing with them, make sure you have clear visibility. If your kids are still small, then you have to get on the equipment with them or stand at least within arm’s reach of them. You’ll be right there to respond and assess if they get injured. It’ll also help to prevent them from wandering out of the area and getting lost. If you have older children, they wouldn’t want you to stand next to them the whole time. And for that, you can observe from a distance and only come closer when they need you. There is also a lot of fighting and bullying happening on the playground nowadays, therefore your presence will immediately make it a safer space.
Check the weather
The warm weather may be inviting but it’s not always good to have your kid in the hot sun for too long. Skip metal slides and steps that are directly in the sun, rather opt for equipment that is more in the shade. You can test the temperature of the equipment by pressing your hand onto it. If it rained the night before, be sure to look out for puddles and stagnant water that didn’t properly drain from the playground. The shade will help prevent your kids from getting sunburn. Also, don’t forget to bring water along to keep yourself and the kids hydrated.
Choose the right equipment
Another reason for injuries taking place is because the kids aren’t using equipment that was designed for their size or age level. Look for posted signs about age or weight restrictions. Some playgrounds have separate play areas for kids of different ages. Allowing a small child to play on equipment that is not meant for them increases their risk of experiencing a fall. For instance, you get different size jungle gyms for the different age groups. Make sure your kid uses the right one. Do your best to guide and assist them to the equipment that’s best suited for their age and size.
Dress for the occasion
You have to make sure your kids are dressed in clothing that will keep them safe and comfortable. They should wear clothes that you don’t mind getting stained or torn as playgrounds can be dusty, dirty and muddy. Don’t let them wear clothes that have a loose fit that could get caught or snagged on rails. Another thing not to wear is necklaces or scarves that may get caught around their necks. Let them wear closed athletic shoes and a hat for the sun. Apply sunscreen as you’ll be spending time outdoors.
Remember that your kids’ safety comes first. The playground is a great place to spend time with your kids. Remember to keep your eyes on them and set rules in advance to ensure they know what to do and what not to do.