That final school bell rings and a sea of kids comes streaming out every door, unleashed on the world. The rhythm of your family is about to shift, as you think of ways to occupy their minds and exercise their bodies. Your task will be to keep them engaged and safe, whether they are playing at home or exploring the outdoors. We’ve got you covered with a few helpful hints.
Playing at Home
Seems harmless, right? Your kids know the layout, spend hours there already and are contained within four walls. Well, it never hurts to heighten awareness and refresh the family on safety practices. Here are some simple considerations for time spent at home:
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Select qualified care. Their break may not be yours. If you work outside the home, you want someone to watch over your children and keep them occupied. Choose a sitter or nanny from a verified service or the referral of a trusted friend. Take the time to interview qualified candidates, run background checks and even give them a try for a day, where you pop in unexpectedly.
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Practice emergencies. From fire escape plans to dialing 911, it’s important to practice regularly. Make sure your children know what is and is not an emergency, who to call, how to give their address and what steps they should take afterward. And remember, stay calm and use clear words as you are explaining things, so your child feels secure and prepared. Check out the National Fire Protection Association website for How to Make a Home Fire Escape Plan.
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Lock up dangerous items. Be sure any cleaning supplies, medicines, matches, sharp objects or guns are properly secured and inaccessible by children. Let your child know what you are doing and why, so the curiosity factor is lessened.
Exploring the Outdoors
Spending time outside is one of the true joys of summer. There are so many things to see, do and discover. With that comes a need to set some ground rules for where and how your children should play, and when to check in with you. Here are recommendations for safety outdoors:
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Reinforce the basics. In most parts of the country, summer means more sun and more heat. So, make it a family habit to hydrate every hour and apply UVA/UVB sunscreen repeatedly throughout the day, according to package instructions. Portable BPA-free water bottles and small bottles of sunscreen are available at most convenience stores. If your children are preparing to be in the water (or even the neighbor’s sprinkler), look for a higher water-resistant SPF.
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Be mindful around pools. Whether in the bathtub, the backyard swimming pool or the city waterpark, be sure your children are supervised around water. If you have a pool at home, practice floating, exiting from the steps and side, and swimming without touching bottom. Consider obtaining CPR certification, particularly since your kids are likely to have friends visit. If you are in a public pool, keep your children in sight and don’t rely solely on the lifeguards–they are trained but also have a bunch of kids to watch. Access the Safe Kids Worldwide website for fantastic safety tips and resources.
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Obtain safety equipment. From bike helmets to life vests, equip your kids with fitted safety equipment. Many kids love scooters, skateboards, bikes and boats. And physical activity outdoors is a great outlet for energy and a great way to enhance fitness. Experts encourage you to buy safety equipment new, as you may not see thin cracks, holes or worn spots on used gear. In addition, you want the proper fit, any factory warranties and the best experience for your kids.
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Be on the look out for allergies. Just like your kids want to be out and about, so do insects and other critters. If your child has known allergies, consider an ID bracelet and be sure to have an EpiPen on hand. Share this information with other parents, if your child is headed to their home, and help educate your kiddo on playing safely outside. Visit the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America website for further tips on recognizing, treating and preventing allergic reactions.
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Tell them when and how to check in. With cell phones and handheld devices everywhere, the world is more and more connected. So, let your child know that there is no excuse for being unreachable. Set a time, a number and an expectation to call you for an update. Remind them to stick to the plan–if they are headed to the mall, stay at the mall. And, if you want further reassurance, consider a personal GPS tracker for their bag or a locator for their phone.
One final tip for your personal well-being: whatever summer break holds for your kids, keep them on a routine. That way, when the school bell rings again, you won’t have a little grump fighting you to get out of bed and back to class. Oh, and their teacher will give you an A for appreciation.