This summer, giving your kids a chance to just “be kids” and enjoy the great outdoors is one of the best gifts you can give them … But keeping safety top-of-mind when venturing outside to play is an absolute must.
Whether heading out for a family bike ride, channeling your inner Picasso with sidewalk chalk, or playing with a Frisbee at the pool or beach, consider my Top 6 Summer Safety Tips for fun, safe play all season long:
- Supervision is Key Adult supervision is crucial when it comes to outdoor play. Kids should never be left alone near inflatable “kiddie” pools, swimming pools, beaches, and lakes – or near driveways and streets with traffic. Be sure to keep toys away from these “danger” zones when they’re not being used, that way kids won’t be lured into unsafe situations.
- Get Your Gear On Outdoor play is all about allowing kids to explore their physical abilities. Keep active play safe by making sure your kids are wearing helmets, knee pads and other protective gear when playing with all ride-on toys – from bikes and trikes to scooters, skates and skateboards.
- Stay Cool Outdoor play areas should offer some shaded cover (when it’s practical) to protect kids’ sensitive skin from the sun’s intense rays. Children should wear appropriate sun protection (sunscreen, clothing, hats, and sunglasses) to avoid overexposure. Playing games in a play tent or under a tree or awning can provide a great break from the sun. Make sure your kids are also drinking plenty of fluids during and after play to keep them hydrated.
- Store Your Toys Organize and store outdoor toys to prevent slips, trips and falls. If you have access to a garage or outdoor shed, you can designate “parking” spaces for bikes and other ride-on toys, and store smaller items like skateboards and skates on shelves.
- Balloon Safety Water balloons are a great way to cool off and have fun in the summer, but broken pieces can be a choking hazard to young children and kids who still mouth toys. Clean up deflated and broken balloons so that you can be sure they won’t end up in the hands – and mouths – of little ones.
- Bargain-Hunters Beware Toys like building blocks, board games and dolls are generally durable and timeless, making them great candidates for garage sales … but you should never sacrifice safety and quality for bargain-bin prices. Carefully inspect a second-hand toy’s condition – ensure that it’s sturdy and doesn’t have broken pieces or missing parts. Avoid buying vintage or antique toys, most of which were made before current safety standards were put in place.
Summertime is about long sunny days and giving kids a chance to be less scheduled – and play is at the root of that. Just be sure to keep these safety tips in mind so that playtime this summer is both fun and safe! For trusted advice about safe play year-round, visit www.PlaySafe.org.