I’m so excited to host another GUEST BLOGGER on The Mint Chip Mama! Please welcome: Cait Wilker!
I love when Autumn arrives. The cooler temperatures. The bonfires. The shorter days. When it comes to keeping our children safe outside during this time, there are a few things to keep in mind. If your kids are extremely active like mine, you can have them spend the majority of the days outside in your backyard. It may seem harmless to let them run and jump, but there are some hidden areas that might pose a threat. Below are a few tips you want to consider to keep your children safe. As a parent, you will want to make sure to keep these ideas close including being on the lookout for hazards, proper footwear attire, helmet safety, and having a fence in your backyard.
1. Be On Alert For Hazards
Believe me when I say that we all think our backyard is safe for our kids to play. However, you’ll want to be on alert for any hazards that could harm your child on a daily basis. This means going outside and checking the swingset that they are playing on. Are there any sharp things poking out of the wood? Did a wasp nest make its home in the corner? These are things you can avoid by looking for them. Also, make sure that there aren’t any glass or other materials that might hurt your little one on the ground. This also goes for playgrounds that you visit as well.
2. Proper Footwear
This is essential to making sure your kids are safe when they are outside. Similarly, when you hike on trails with your kids, make sure the shoes they’re wearing are equipped to keep them safe. This means that proper walking shoes that cover their entire foot are a must. If it’s winter, you’ll want to make sure they have winter boots that protect them from falling and slipping. Avoid open-toe flip-flops or sandals as they can easily cause your child to slip and fall, especially if they are riding their bike or running. Additionally, wearing open-toe shoe outside could also put their toes in danger! Also, make sure to take your child to a proper shoe store to get them the shoes they need.
3. Sturdy Fence
If you’re looking to upgrade your fence to something a bit more practical, the most common material for a fence is pressure-treated pine. This type of wood is pressure treated to extend life. It also protects it against insect infestation, which can be a huge issue in the southern states. A business called Brazilian Wood Depot offers a variety of hardwoods including this composite deck board option and many others. You’ll want to get a quote and ask question if you have any to help pick out a great fence for your backyard.
4. Helmet Safety
Does your child ride their bike without a helmet? That should be a no! Discussing and showing the importance of wearing the proper gear when you go on a ride together is important. If you are unsure about which helmet will work best there are several shops that can help find the best one to fit your child’s head and keep them protected. Role model to your child that you wear a helmet when you ride your bike. This will show them a helmet’s significance. Have them decorate their helmet if they want with stickers to personalize it.
What are some other types of safety ideas you can think of when your children are outside playing? Overall, I think it is important to talk about safety rules when your kids go outside to play. Show them how to pick up items carefully if they see it, or tell a grown-up. While we can’t prevent things from happening, we can educate our children to know what to look for. Spend the time you need to keep this as part of your main focus ensuring they understand.
