Let’s admit parenting isn’t easy. Whether it is completely understanding your child’s immunization, teaching them something, or keeping them safe from injuries, your parental duties never end.
This is especially true during the summer season, when kids are home on summer break and wanting to spend time playing outdoors. Summer is an endless season of fun and excitement always keeps your little ones on their toes. But it’s also a time when their safety should be a top priority for you as a parent.
As the temperatures rise and the sun shines brighter, you must equip your young ones with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe and healthy during summer. From outdoor adventures to water activities, this guide presents a collection of catchy and essential summer safety tips for kids, ensuring they can make the most of their summer while staying out of harm’s way.
Stay Hydrated
With the sun beating, young kids need to be reminded to remain hydrated. Ask them to drink a lot of water over the day, regardless of feeling thirsty. Avoid sweet beverages and select new natural product squeezes or flavored waters. Let them carry a water bottle anywhere they go to remain hydrated and prevent dehydration related injuries or illnesses.
Protect Against Sunburn
Sun-related burns can be painful to a kid’s sensitive skin. Apply sunscreen with minimum SPF 30, even on overcast days. Train your kids to apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before heading outside and reapply like clockwork or all the more now and again if swimming or sweating. Furthermore, caps, shades, and lightweight, covered dresses protect them from the sun’s beams.
Practice Water Safety
Summer and water activities go hand in hand, whether swimming, boating, or playing at the beach. However, make sure you prioritize water safety. Never leave your children unattended near water, regardless of swimming abilities, and teach older children how to swim or enroll them in swimming lessons.
Teach them to follow the rules, such as not running near pools, rivers, or other bodies of water. Additionally, make sure they wear appropriate floatation devices when necessary.
Be Cautious with Fireworks
Summer celebrations often include fireworks, but they can be harmful if they are not used properly. Teach kids to never try to light or handle fireworks on their own and to always look at them from a safe distance. Monitor any fireworks-related activity and abide by all local rules and regulations.
Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses
If precautions are not taken, the summer heat can cause heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Encourage children to limit their physical activity during the hottest hours of the day and, if required, to seek out shade or cool places. To protect them from the sun, dress them in airy, light clothing and give them hats and umbrellas.
Stay Safe During Bike Rides
Kids love to bike throughout the summer, but safety precautions should always be taken. The injury attorneys at Piasta Newbern Walker recommend parents to ensure kids understand and follow the rules of the road, as well as wear helmets that fit properly. Teach your kids to be mindful of traffic and pedestrians and to stay on designated bike lanes or sidewalks. Reflective clothing can also improve visibility, especially when biking at night or early morning.
Beware of Bug Bites
In the summer, there are a lot of bugs, and their bites can be irritating. Use the right insect repellents to protect kids from bug bites. Check yourself for ticks after being in grassy or forested areas because they can bring infections like Lyme disease. Moreover, encourage kids to be calm and still if a bee or wasp stings them and steer clear of areas where they may nest.
Be Mindful of Playground Safety
Playgrounds are a favorite destination for children during summer. Before allowing them to play, inspect the playground equipment for any signs of damage or hazards. Teach children to use equipment properly, avoid overcrowded areas and take turns on swings and slides. Remind them to be cautious of hot surfaces, such as metal slides, which can cause burns on sunny days. Or, you can also build a playground at home, after all you can find slide, seesaw, or swing hardware almost anywhere.
Food Safety
Outdoor picnics and barbecues are a highlight of summer, but it’s crucial to prioritize food safety. Before handling any food, teach your children the importance of washing their hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
This should be done before and after handling food, using the restroom, and playing outdoors. Encourage children to avoid touching their faces, hair, or other objects while handling food to prevent the spread of bacteria.
