Motivating Your Children Into Physical Activities
How kids can avoid playground hazards is important information for parents especially during the holiday season when kids are super adventurous.
Anytime my nieces and nephews are with me for a day or two, I prepare myself for a session of “don’t do this” “don’t do that”, “don’t go there” and “stop you will hurt yourself”. As a matter of fact, I think they have stopped listening because they know “big mummy” (as they fondly call me) must shout warnings about little things. And that is just inside the house and maybe within the compound premises. You can then imagine my pent-up frustrations when I summon the courage to take them to the playground to unleash their energy. Oh my God‼
The reality is that no matter how hard you try, it’s challenging to keep your kids clear of every bump on the head or bruise on the knee. These little accidents don’t make you a bad parent. It’s simply that kids will always be kids. They are curious, daring, and restless. The bad news though is that thousands of kids visit the emergency room every year as a result of playground injuries. And just in case you plan an outdoor picnic to catch some guiltless fun with your children, take a little time to read some information about how kids can avoid playground hazards. What you are about to read is not meant to freak you out, but to keep you on the alert.
8 Sources Of Danger On Playgrounds
Crowded playground
The risk of accidental head butts and body collisions increases as playgrounds become crowded. The excitement of seeing other kids around prompts children to start running toward each other. The result often is head-on collisions and body collisions which end in falls. Even other falls can potentially cause concussions and other painful injuries.
Slides and swings
Slide and swing injuries are other forms of hazards on playgrounds. For instance, a child sliding down may hit another child at the bottom of the slide. Or a child may be pushed down a slide by mistake. It’s the same danger with the swing when a child excitedly runs into the path of a swinging child. Or a child jumps from a swing and lands on another child.
Climbing
Climbing is another area for injuries whereby children climbing ladders or rock walls can accidentally fall onto others below. Or when one child unintentionally knocks a child off the ladder or rock wall.
Ropes and nets
Ropes and nets on playgrounds can result in entanglement and fall injuries. These injuries can include fractures, dislocations, and even strangulation.
Wet surfaces and debris
Wet surfaces, protruding sticks, and other fragments lying on the ground are potential hazards that can lead to harmful slips, trips, and falls.
Fingers, sticks, and sharp edges
Fingers, sticks, toys, and sharp edges of some playground equipment can all cause eye injuries requiring medical attention. Bruises (black eyes), scratches, and other eye injuries are all common on busy playgrounds.
Difficult Children
When children are difficult it can be trouble. OK, perhaps it’s a little harsh to say difficult children are hazardous in the playground. Then again playing defense in a crowded park is part of staying safe. Therefore focus your attention on which kids are pushing others, throwing stuff around, running behind a swing, or playing catch with water sachets. Look for a playground with age-appropriate equipment. If possible, choose a playground with different areas for children ages 2-5 and 5-12. Playgrounds should have age ranges posted on signs for each piece of equipment. And if an area is overrun with children, wait for the crowd to thin out a bit.
Predators, Strangers
Strangers can be a “hazard”. There are strangers who loiter around playgrounds looking to prey on innocent children. In a shocking social experiment, kids leave the playground with strangers. So don’t forget to keep an eye on your children. Don’t let them stray away from you. And the rule not to go away with strangers must be a daily song to your children, particularly when on public playgrounds.
Your Role As A Parent
Supervision of your children is important when it comes to how kids can avoid playground hazards. This means your presence is required and ensures you can see your child at all times, including inside crawl spaces. In addition, look around the playground area and the equipment. The playground must be free of broken glass, cans, and other trash that can harm little feet and hands.
Don’t stop there. Go on to check the equipment for missing or broken parts, loose pavements, and any rusting bolts or fixtures sticking out. Similarly, appropriate footwear will prevent your child from tripping or getting caught up in equipment. Thus your child should wear sneakers with tied laces or secured Velcro straps, not flip-flops or strappy sandals.
Also, since COVID is still out there don’t forget to use hand sanitizer frequently, before, during, and after playground use. Likewise, wash your hands with soap and water as soon as you have access to a sink.
Bottom Line
Finally, the outdoors is fun for kids and the benefits are great for their mental and physical well-being. However, parents should watch out for the dangers and protect their kids. Because this is how kids can avoid playground hazards.
Photo Credit: Creative Commons
