Getting bumps and bruises on the playground was like a rite of passage growing up. And the bigger the bruise or injury, the cooler you seemed to be.
As a parent, though, those ideas seem a bit crazy now and definitely not something you want your children to live by. How can you keep your little ones safe on the playground when all they want to do is have a good time? The following tips can help.
1. Be Aware of Potential Threats
Playing can be a bit risky, especially since kids get caught up in what they’re doing. Simply swinging, running, and jumping can lead to injuries if care isn’t taken. However, those aren’t the only threats. Faulty equipment, loose clothing and jewelry, unsafe turf, roughhousing, and taking toys with them can also increase the risk. Being aware of these risks can help you prepare yourself and your children for safety on the playground.
2. Set Playground Rules
After getting familiar with the threats, it’s time to set some rules. These rules should include things like not pushing and shoving others, staying within your eyesight, leaving toys in the car or at home, and waiting their turn on the slides and other equipment.
3. Talk to Your Kids Before You Go
Rules are no good if your kids aren’t aware of them. It’s best to ensure that your children are very familiar with the rules before you go to the playground in the first place. This may mean hanging the rules on the wall and going over them before each outing.
You can also gain some great insight from your kids. After each outing, ask them if they had fun and if anything bad happened while they were playing. They might inform you of a broken swing or kids bullying them. If so, you can take the necessary actions for the next playground day.
4. Make Sure They’re Dressed Properly for Your Outing
Loose clothing and jewelry can get caught on playground equipment, leading to pain and injury. Untied shoestrings can do the same, in addition to causing kids to trip and fall. Before you leave home, be sure that their clothes fit well, they aren’t wearing necklaces, and that their shoes are tied properly – preferably in double knots.
5. Choose Your Playground Wisely
Some playgrounds are safer than others. This is typically true when they’re maintained properly. The type of turf on the playground can also make a big difference. It’s best to choose one with artificial turf that is designed for safety.
If your community park’s turf isn’t up to par, talk to your local chamber of commerce, parks, and recreation department, or even other parents about resurfacing with Churchich turf. Together, you can make the playground much safer for all the little ones to enjoy.
6. Keep a Close Eye On Them While They’re Playing
One of the most essential steps in keeping your kids safe at the playground is making sure to watch them closely. In doing so, you can prevent many potential threats from becoming reality, as well as catch injuries as soon as they happen.