As a parent, you are responsible for keeping your kids safe when playing in the yard. Although backyards are wonderful places for kids to play and explore, they also present certain risks. You can make your backyard a fun and secure place for your kids with just a little forethought and planning. Here are some pointers on how to make your garden a safe place for your kids to play.
General Safety Tips
Put Up a Fence
Fencing in your yard is a crucial first step in creating a secure outdoor area for your family and pets. Your children will be safer in your yard if there is a fence to stop them from running out into the street. In addition, it might discourage trespassers from entering your property. If you already have a fence, check it for damage and fix any openings that may allow your kids to escape.
Install Playground Equipment Carefully
Playground equipment in the backyard requires careful installation to avoid injury. Make sure the apparatus is fastened firmly to the ground and sitting on a flat surface. In addition, check to see sufficient space around each piece of equipment and that it is suitable for the ages of the children who will be using it. Consider replacing grass with artificial turf for an extra cushiony area.
Keep Your Yard Free of Hazards
To ensure that your yard is safe for your children to play in, keeping it free of hazards is important. Things like knives, deadly plants, and toxic chemicals fall within this category. If you have a swimming pool in your yard, ensure it is fenced in, and the gate is locked when it is not in use.
Water Safety
Never Leave Your Child Unsupervised Near Water
Children of all ages like getting their feet wet in the water, but it is essential that they learn how to behave responsibly while around bodies of water.
Never leave your kid unsupervised in or near any body of water, including a pool, pond, or even a bathtub; this is especially important to remember while the child is near or in the water. Maintain constant visual and physical contact with your child at all times.
Teach Your Child to Swim
One of the most important things you can do to protect your child from potential dangers surrounding water is to teach them how to swim. When your child is still young, enroll them in swimming classes, and when they have mastered the skill, only then should you feel comfortable letting them go near the water on their own.
Consider Remodeling Your Pool
If you have a swimming pool in your backyard, you may consider doing a swimming pool remodel to improve its safety. Fencing, a safety cover, or a pool alarm that sounds if someone enters the pool area are all good options. Additionally, ensure your pool is equipped with appropriate safety equipment, such as life jackets and rescue equipment. Doing this can allow you to feel more at ease because your child is less likely to be harmed from falling into your pool.
Sun Safety
Use Sunscreen
Vitamin D is easily obtained from sunlight, but too much time in the sun can cause sunburn, damage to the skin, and even cancer. Therefore, it’s crucial to protect your child’s delicate skin from the damaging effects of the sun while they are outside playing.
You may get essential protection from the sun by using sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30. Make sure you have all of your exposed flesh covered, including your face, neck, arms, and legs.
Give Some Shade
Shade is another measure you may take to shield your children from harmful UV rays. Shade structures like awnings, umbrellas, or even just some nearby trees can help with this. Your child must have a nice, cool spot to play in during the hottest parts of the day.
Dress Your Child Appropriately
Make sure your kid is prepared for the elements while they play outside. They can do this by taking precautions, such as covering exposed skin with a hat and sunglasses and choosing lighter clothes. Clothing with an integrated UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is another option to keep the sun off your skin.
Conclusion
A happy childhood is directly correlated to having a safe backyard. Installing a fence, keeping a close check on your child while they are near water, applying sunscreen, and dressing correctly are all great ways to make your house as secure as possible. Go ahead and do it. If you follow these instructions, protecting your child while they are having fun in the fresh air will be easy.
My name is Andrea Thompson and I’m a home based freelance writer. I’m 23 years old, married to my best friend, and mother to a wonderfully independent and opinionated 3 year old girl and step-mother to a sweet seven year old boy. I live in a tiny, little town in Kentucky, where I spend my free time fishing with my kids.
Writing has always been my passion, which I followed through high school, and for a while in college. Life happened, and once I discovered we were pregnant, I switched directions; opting for the healthcare industry because of the stability.
Finally, years later, I was in a place where I could leave the day job that never truly made me happy, and pursue my dreams. I’ve built, and am still building, my writing career from scratch. But, I’m passionate and I’m good at what I do. And, in the end, I can prove to my daughter that she can do anything she wants with this life.
