Every parent knows the value of encouraging children to play outside. However, they also know the dangers that can be present. Luckily, many of the risks can be minimized if you teach your children how to stay safe. Here are five things to discuss with your little ones. They cover many of the activities they are likely to be involved in.
Report serious slips and falls to an adult immediately
Slips and falls are very common during play. While children can usually get up quickly and run again, this isn’t always the case. Some injuries are serious. Encourage your children to alert an adult at the first sign of injury. Sometimes, the injury may be due to someone else’s negligence. It may be caused by a poorly maintained playground, a wet floor or a defective piece of equipment. If your child is injured, early notification means they can get medical attention quickly. It also means you can get a medical report as evidence if you need to file a personal injury claim on behalf of your child. If you believe another person or entity is responsible for your child’s injury, you need expert advice. Visit www.daveabels.com today for counsel.
Wear appropriate shoes
Wearing the right footwear for activities is key to maintaining safety. Sometimes groups of friends like to go for walks. Depending on the terrain, they may need hiking shoes. If it’s winter, they need shoes with a good grip to prevent them from falling. While flip flops are common footwear during summer, they aren’t appropriate for running around. If your child is very active, stress the need to wear enclosed shoes when they go out to play.
Take precautions when riding
Accidents happen in a split second. Even if your child is only riding a short distance down the street, make them aware of the need to wear a helmet. This is the best way to prevent head injuries. Insist that they ride on the sidewalk whenever possible to reduce the risk of them coming into contact with cars. If this isn’t possible, ensure they stay far to the right-hand side and ride in the same direction as traffic. You should also remind your children to use hand-signals and adhere to the rules of the road.
Dress for the weather
Children often think they are invincible. They may believe they can handle the cold or the heat without the appropriate clothing. You must insist that they wear several layers during winter along with gloves, hats, and scarves. Hypothermia is a real risk during this time of year. Similarly, in scorching summers, remind your children that they should reduce the amount of time they spend outside and drink lots of fluid.
Avoid insects and animals
Many children are curious about animals. This curiosity should be encouraged in a safe environment when adults are present. Explain to your child that they should avoid spiders, wasps, bees and strange dogs. Many insect bites can lead to allergic reactions and dog bites are often serious. In the event that they are bitten or stung, ensure your children know what to do and you have the necessary medication on hand.
You can’t stop all bad things from happening to your child. However, you can prepare them to be as safe as possible when they play outside. You should also make sure they know what to do if an accident occurs. With these measures in place, you can relax a little while your children enjoy the outdoors.