Tips for Playground Safety
An afternoon at the playground is all fun and games in the mind of a child, but parents must ensure their child’s safety at all times, even at the park. Unfortunately, especially in this day and age, danger and the chance to get hurt lurks everywhere. That’s why some well-thought out pre-planning for safety is key for a positive playground experience. Here are some tips to ensure safety for your children and those around them.
Dress Appropriately
A day at the playground requires a certain type of clothing and footwear. Be sure your child is dressed in comfortable clothing he can move around well in. Steer clear of too many buttons, zippers, and clasps. Be sure the clothing fits well and the sleeves and pants are not too long, which can cause tripping or slipping. His shoes should have rubber soles and must be fastened closed tightly. Be sure kids with longer hair have their hair tied back to avoid being caught in any playground equipment. If the weather is cooler, be sure your child’s coat is flexible enough to play in and he’s warm enough for a long day outdoors.
Stay Within Eyeshot
Most playgrounds have plenty of benches for parents to sit on and watch their kids. If your child wants to explore another area of the playground, please go along with him and find a new place to sit. As long as your child is within your view at all times, he will be safest. He should be able to see where you are too in case he gets hurt, needs to go to the bathroom, or has some other need or emergency.
Have a Buddy
There will likely be lots of kids on the playground, but be sure your child is paired up with a buddy. They should always know where the other is at all times. No child should be left alone in this busy space and the buddy will provide a playmate as well as a partner in case of an emergency. Two is always better than one when it comes to safety and security.
Never Talk to Strangers
We always teach our kids to never talk to strangers and this holds true even in a fun environment like a playground. That said, there are some “strangers” your child should know are OK to speak to in case of an emergency such as a policeman, a park supervisor, a friend’s parent (of a friend is in danger), or anyone else you think your child may need to reach out to in the case he cannot locate you.
How do you plan for playground safety? We’d love to share your tips with the AMC community. For more information like this, please visit All My Children Blogs.
By: Melissa A. Kay
