Now that all the big kids are in school (or will be shortly) your younger children will be ruling the playground! Without the bigger kids there, the little guys will most likely master those monkey bars and swings in no time. Even though the older kids might not be there to cause safety issues for your younger kids it is still important to keep safety in the forefront of your mind. Here are some tips to keep your little ones safe at the playground:
• Before you allow your young kids to run free on the equipment, check it out. Make sure there are no sharp edges or broken parts that could cause an injury. If you see any problems with the equipment, find a different spot for your child to play and report the problem to the maintenance staff.
• When you are done checking for problem areas, make sure the equipment is age appropriate for your child. Some playgrounds are designed for older children and may not be safe for your little ones. These days a lot of playgrounds post signs to let us know the recommended age group that should play on the equipment.
• Supervise your child. Smaller children may need some help navigating through the playground. Be there to help when they need it. Even if your child has been to a particular playground what seems like a million times, you still need to keep a prudent eye on him. Accidents happen when we least expect them. It doesn’t mean you need to watch like a hawk, but definitely let him know you are there if he needs you.
Your health insurance will be helpful if any accidents happen at the playground, but preventing them in the first place is a much better idea. Have a great time at the playground with your young children and keep them as safe as you can!
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