With summer just around the corner, your kids are surely getting excited to go outside and enjoy their time away from school. And while kids are excited to play with friends and run around, kids always seem to get hurt while playing outside. Even though kids are kids and there’s no way to completely protect them from harm, there are a few things parents should do to keep their kids safe over the summer. So let’s talk about a few ways you can help your kids play safely this summer and avoid injuries.
One thing parents should always have on them? A first aid kit. A great place to keep an emergency kit is in the car. This way, no matter where you go, you’ll have essential items if something happens. This kit should include things like band-aids, tissues, water, hand sanitizer, and spare medications. With a handy kit like this, you’re sure to be prepared for any mishaps along the way. Additionally, to be proactive, you should stock up on first aid items for your home before summer begins.
When you’re out and about, you should always make sure your kid is playing in an age-appropriate area. Playgrounds and parks are a common destination for warm, summer days. But when little ones try to play on equipment that might be too big or complex for them, they can easily get hurt. So always make sure your kid is playing on equipment that’s right for them. Also, you should always be on the lookout for things in the play area, like rocks or tree stumps, that kids can trip on. With over 80% of ankle sprains resulting from the inward rolling of the ankle, it’s important to make sure your children have a safe, obstacle-free area to play in.
It’s also important to keep the temperature and weather in mind when your kids to go out to play. Kids should always wear sunscreen when they’re outside, especially when the sun is high in the sky. This can help prevent painful sunburns. Additionally, kids need to remain hydrated. If kids are running around playing and become overheated or dehydrated, they can get really sick. So it’s always a good idea to have drinks on hand and ensure your kids are getting some rest in the shade.
And lastly, it’s important to supervise your kids when they’re using toys outside. With the FAA expecting there to be about seven million drones in the U.S. before 2020, your child and their friends are bound to be playing with something like that this summer. With these types of toys, it’s important they’re being used safely and responsibly. Like with any sort of flying toy, parents should highly consider supervising use when possible.
Hopefully, we’ve given you some good ideas. By keeping an eye on your kids, while making sure they’re having fun, you and your family can have an injury-free summer.
