Spending time outdoors with your kids is a great way to bond with them and encourage them to explore. Allowing them to play provides them with several benefits such as boosting their health and development, teaching them to bond socially, etc.
However, statistics show that as of 2019, about 75% of children aged 12 and below were not getting enough playtime. Although playing outdoors can be exciting, you must be safety-conscious to ensure your kids don’t get injured. As they run around out of curiosity and full of energy, here are some safety tips to keep in mind for a fun and fulfilling day out.
Always be prepared
No matter the activity, whether biking, running around in the park, or playing a sport, it’s best to be prepared in the case of any injury. Firstly, you should ensure that your kids are wearing the right protective gear, such as helmets and shin guards, depending on the activity they’re engaging in. Having a first aid kit on hand could be beneficial if there’s an emergency. You can also have items such as children’s ice packs to handle any minor injuries promptly. Preparing will help you remain calm if your kids fall, get a scratch, etc., and will also help you save time as you’re able to respond as quickly as possible.
Choose a spot suitable for your kids’ age
Although there are several options to choose from when looking for an outdoor spot for your kids to play, not every place may be suitable for them. Therefore, before you choose a place, you should consider your kids’ age. If they’re still learning to walk, you should choose an area that has even surfaces and doesn’t have any potential hazards that could cause them to fall or get hurt.
Encourage your kids to be attentive
While you stay alert when playing with your kids outdoors, it would help to teach them to be attentive to their surroundings, even in their excitement. You can add a fun twist to make it easier to remember. For instance, if you want to teach them how to identify landmarks on the way, so they don’t get lost, you can turn it into a game, encouraging them when they’re able to pinpoint each one.
Check the weather
Before stepping outdoors with your kids, it’s vital to have an idea of the day’s weather so your kids can dress appropriately and you can determine how long they should stay outdoors. If it’s summer, remember to pack some kid-friendly sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, to protect them from the sun’s rays, as well as some water, so they stay hydrated.
Checking the weather can also help you watch out for any potential allergy triggers to be extra careful. During winter, you should also encourage your kids to be more alert to minimize the risks of slipping or falling and dress them in layers to stay warm.
The outdoors provides the ideal environment to learn, play, and grow. However, it can also be risky if you’re not attentive or put the proper measures in place. If your kids are not old enough to be on their own, remember to provide adult supervision at all times. Applying the tips listed above will help make your kids’ day outdoors fun and safe and protect them from preventable injuries.
