Summer is a perfect time to let your kids play outside and make new pals. It’s exciting to see your children release their seemingly endless energy into activities they love. However, many hazards may hurt your kid and indefinitely interrupt their playtime. Although the occasional bruised knee is to be expected, you also have to deal with things like sunburn and allergies.
Here’s how you can equip your child for a safe time outdoors.
Establish Hydration Breaks
Hot weather paired with constant running around and squealing can do a number on anyone’s level of hydration. Even if your kids look like they can sprint from one end of Salt Lake City to another (and they probably think so, too), it’s important to stop them for a few minutes to rehydrate or eat a healthy snack.
Look out for signs of dehydration while they’re playing. If you see that they’re not sweating after a while and their mouth is dry, ask them to stop for a water break. If possible, have them drink water in a shaded area.
You Can Never Have Enough Screens and Sprays
Though the sun is an excellent source of vitamin D, prolonged exposure to it can cause painful sunburn. Exposure also increases the risk of developing skin cancer. This is why it’s essential to put on sunscreen before you leave the house. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying about an ounce of sunscreen. You should also reapply after two hours of exposure in the sun to make sure the kids are protected continuously.
Spritzing your kid’s clothes with bug spray also helps to keep Lyme disease and Zika-causing ticks and mosquitos off them. If you notice any insect bites, wash them thoroughly with some soap and water. To make sure that no one brings any bugs inside their room, give them a quick shower as soon as they get home.
Scan the Area for Possible Hazards
Whether they’re having playtime in the playground or the backyard, you should always scan the area for things they could trip on or run into. When you do see a possible hazard, do your best to remove it. If that’s not possible, tell your child not to play around that dangerous area and keep a close eye on them.
When you’re at home, it also helps to have wooden or ornamental iron fencing installed around your yard to keep strangers away and to make sure they don’t run to the street.
Dress for the Weather
Despite the heat, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend clothing that covers the skin when going out during summer. Shop for light-colored long-sleeved shirts before you go on your playground trip. It’s also important to wear shoes that cover your kid’s toes to lessen injuries. Keep the flip flops and sleeveless shirts for home use and mall visits.
Playtime during the summer is a great way to break your children away from their iPad and to exercise. While this may also seem like a great way to take a break and enjoy the sun yourself, your watch isn’t over yet. You should keep a close eye on your kid to make sure they’re safe and are getting all the water and food they need. Seeing your child have fun with their friends is always worth the effort.
