Playing outside is one of the best ways for your kids to get some fresh air, a little bit of vitamin D, and to stay in healthy physical shape. Many kids love running around in the grass, climbing on rocks and trees, and playing in the dirt and mud. However, if you’re not careful, playing outside can also be rather dangerous to your child. So to ensure that all outdoor play is done safely, here are three ways you can help your kids stay safe when they’re playing outside.
Be Smart About The Sun
Although our bodies need a certain amount of vitamin D to function properly, getting too much sun isn’t good for anyone, especially children. Without proper protection from the sun, you child could easily get a sunburn or heat exhaustion. Knowing this, it’s vital that you’re smart about keeping your child in the sun. Elana Roth, a contributor to Parents.com, advises that parents be extra careful about having their children outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., which is when the sun’s ray are the strongest. Your children should also always wear sunscreen when they’re going to be outside for a while. In addition, try to cover them up as much as possible without overheating them to keep too much sun off their sensitive skin.
Keep The Bugs Away
While some kids love seeing bugs and holding them, not all bugs are safe for your kids to be playing with. And even if your kids generally like bugs, some insects like bees and mosquitoes aren’t normally welcomed by anyone. To keep unwanted bugs away from your home, you may want to consider having your property sprayed for bugs. When you’re away from home but still outside, Healthline.com suggests steering clear of areas where insects tend to congregate. You should also keep medication on hand if your child has an allergy to any insects. Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about allergy safety with your child.
Teach Water Safety
Even if you don’t have a pool or hot tub at your home, there are likely still potential water dangers that you and your children should be aware of. According to Don Vandervort, a contributor to HomeTips.com, children can drown in as little as a few inches of water. This means that things as seemingly innocuous as ponds, streams, ditches, wells, and even puddles should be covered whenever possible to keep your children out of them. As a good rule of thumb, you should also teach your children water safety and encourage them to stay away from standing or running water unless there’s an adult present.
To ensure your kids have a safe and fun time when outdoors, use the tips mentioned above to increase their safety outside.