Things are opening up, and isn’t it grand? People are out and about, warm weather is here, and outdoor activities in public places are filling up. One of those most popular places is playgrounds – play places that offer fresh air and a place for energy-driven kids to go a bit “wild” in a good way.
But how safe are playgrounds? As a parent, you take all sorts of precautions to keep your child safe at home and in the neighborhood, and you expect schools to keep them safe in that environment. And you have a responsibility to keep them safe in all public places, too.
Here are five tips for child safety on a playground.
1. Check the Grounds and the Equipment
It’s been a long time since playgrounds have been openly available to kids. Hopefully, they have been inspected, refurbished as necessary, and are safe. But don’t count on it. It is up to you as a parent to inspect the equipment your child will use, as well as the grounds surrounding that equipment.
Are ground surfaces soft enough to cushion a fall? If a surface is a concrete or rock, then a helmet is a must, if not knee and elbow pads.
Are there dangerous and/or sharp objects on the grounds? Remove them.
Are there tripping hazards (tree roots, large rocks, etc.)?
In terms of equipment, each piece should be checked.
Are there moving parts that could snag a jacket or pinch a finger?
Are there metal surfaces, such as those of slides, that are too hot to the touch?
Are ground surfaces under climbing pieces that are soft for falls
Are swings in good repair with working safety bars for toddlers?
Sandboxes are notoriously unsanitary.
2. Supervise, Supervise, Supervise
There is a huge temptation to sit back on a bench and read a book while our children play – after all, this should be a relaxing time for us too. No, it should not be.
Your eye should be on your child at all times. Many young moms in school try to find a shady spot to get some coursework done while a child is at play – after all, they are behind, stressed, and have a movie review due. So, they break out the tablet to watch the film. No, No, No. If you are that pressed, order movie review writing and get your eye on your child.
The younger the child, the more supervision will be necessary. They can get themselves into dangerous situations, and you will need to intervene quickly.
3. Age-Appropriateness is Key
Most modern playgrounds are divided into sections for general age groups. But these are not separated by fencing. It’s easy for a little who is not under strict supervision to run over to an “older” area and get injured. Consider how devastating a blow it could be to get kicked in the head by an older child on a swing. Parents have to ensure that their children stay only in those areas that are built just for their age group.
4. Sanitation/Health
COVID is not fully eradicated, and you do not know the status of other adults or children on the playground. Obviously, you cannot wipe down every piece of equipment before your child uses it. But you can “wipe down” your child, and you should do it often. Always take a supply of wipes and hand cleanser, and use it often.
Sunburn danger should not even be a topic for discussion here. Children need an SPF between 35 and 50 to be adequately protected. And hats are always appropriate for those wee ones who still do not have much hair.
Hydration is important. Water is the best option, but other drinks like Pedialyte are good too. Snacks should be healthy and also provide hydration – apples, oranges, and grapes are great.
5. Indoor Playgrounds
For really hot and humid days, indoor playgrounds are a great choice. Parents should remember, though, that much greater supervision will be necessary. They must move about with small children and stand directly in their view.
Adult travel is a great respite from the demands of parenting. But there are also times when family travel is planned. Indoor playgrounds can be commonly found at resorts geared toward families. Many combine pools and other playground activities (crawl tubes, slides, bounce houses, etc.) in one large space. And risk-taking toddlers may be a challenge. The safest bet is to insist that small ones wear floaties or a simple life jacket at all times. Again, supervision and frequent sanitation practices should be the norm.
Final Note: Playground Etiquette Never Goes Out of Style
Children must be taught many things from a very early age. They don’t put small foreign objects in their mouths; they don’t hit, bit or kick other children; they don’t throw things; they don’t harass the dog. Playground etiquette must be taught as well. Taking turns, no pushing or shoving, and no roughhousing are cardinal rules for the safety of self and others, and parents must quickly intervene when they observe this behavior.
Author’s bio. Jessica Fender is a professional writer and educational blogger. Jessica enjoys sharing her ideas to make writing and learning fun.
