If you’re a parent, your number one priority, regardless of what type of decision you’re making, is likely going to be the welfare of your child. Even when it comes to choosing or setting up a home, how your choices will affect your child will likely weigh heavy on your mind. However, many parents neglect to consider how the property surrounding their home could impact their child, especially on days where all you want is some peace and quiet by getting your kids out of the house for a while. So to ensure your kids don’t get into too much trouble when playing outside, here are three ways you can make your yard a safer place for your kids.
Protect Them From Water Hazards
One of the biggest dangers that your child may be exposed to outdoors is water. Child can drown in even just a few inches of water, so it’s important that you don’t make it easy for them to get too near to water. According to Patrick A. Coleman, a contributor to Fatherly.com, you should do what you can to cover any standing water that your child may have access to in your yard. Not only will this help keep them from falling in and drowning or getting hypothermia, but it will also help minimize bugs that crave water, like mosquitoes.
Put Up A Fence If You Can
Kids love pushing their boundaries, literally and figuratively. So if you plan to let your child play outside with minimal supervision, you may want to consider putting up a fence that will encourage them to stay within your property line. However, this may not be a possibility for all families. So if you can’t install a fence, Alexia Chianis, a contributor to SafeWise.com, recommends doing what you can to teach your kids about the boundaries they’re allowed to play in. Additionally, you should teach them what to do if a stranger approaches them when playing outside, just to be on the safe side.
Create A Shock-Absorbing Ground
Growing children love to stretch their bodies and climb on anything available to them. However, their balance and depth perception can make it hard for them to be safe when they’re climbing. Because of this, WebMD recommends doing what you can to make the ground your kids play on as shock-absorbing as possible. This could mean installing sand, rubber, or mulch around areas where you kids climb so they don’t get a hurt if and when they fall. Try to get this material to be between 9 and 12 inches thick to maximize its ability to cushion your child.
If you’ve been looking for ways to keep your kids safer when playing outside, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you do just that.
