Children have a natural sense of curiosity. They also often lack the ability to recognize a dangerous or hazardous situation, especially when distracted by playing. These four tips will help you teach your kids about being cautious in a healthy way as they enjoy playing together.
Teaching Stranger Danger
Although you do not want your children to be scared of everyone, it is important to teach them about stranger danger. Explain to your kids to be cautious of adults who show up at parks or playgrounds without kids. Tell your children to be weary of adults who try to entice kids to help them look for a lost puppy, claim they are lost, or who want to share a special treat.
Checking Out Potential Hazards
Have your children walk around with you and check for potential hazards. Some common hazards include loose or rusty nails and bolts, loose guard rails, and holes or pits in the ground. Your kids will soon learn how to do this on their own after you show them a few times. If you see any of these hazards in the park or on a playground, report them and avoid that area until repairs have been made.
Visiting a Doctor
Each year in the United States, doctors treat an average of 200,000 injuries in children under the age of 14 who get hurt while playing. About 45 percent of those injuries are severe and include fractures, dislocations, and concussions, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Professionals know that if your child does get hurt, it is important to visit a doctor so that any possible injuries are properly evaluated. The doctor can diagnose the severity of the injury and provide essential treatments to reduce your child's pain and facilitate recovery.
Observing Your Children
While playing, your kids may find a way to get hurt or into trouble that you did not think of. Observing your children provides you with opportunities to teach them about safety. Watch how your child's developmental abilities allow for the use of different types of equipment or activities. If you see your child struggling, suggest a new, safer activity.
There is a fine line between teaching your kids to be cautious and making them feel anxious about every situation. Providing your kids with the tools and resources to help themselves stay safe is important. These four tips will help you teach your kids about potential hazards while playing and will allow you to take action when a safety issue is identified.