Earnest Parenting.com logo

Encouraging Heroes. You can be one too.

With hints of warmer weather appearing, we are reminded summer is just around the corner. As excitement for summer builds, it’s important to remember a few tips to help keep your children safe as they play. By putting the time in and preparing beforehand, it can leave you and your child ready for all the fun times that are ahead of you. Keep these few tips and ideas in mind.

Water Safety

Frolicking in pools, lakes, and oceans are hallmarks of summer play, but can also be some of the most dangerous activities. U.S. Government statistics say 1,500 children drown each year. To help ensure safety, always have an adult supervise children of all ages when they are in or near water. Additionally, it is beneficial to enroll your children in basic swimming classes. Swimming courses are available with the sole purpose of teaching swimming survival skills. Finally, remember that although floaties and other swimming aids are beneficial to help your child feel confident and have fun in the water, they are not intended as a substitute for strict supervision.

Sun Safety

The feeling of the warm sun is one of summer’s greatest pleasures, but again, it is important to remember that the sun brings risks with it. Unprotected time in the sun can lead to sunburns in as little as 15 minutes. These burns will not only cause your child discomfort in the short term, but can have lasting impact with an increased risk of skin cancer. Take an extra couple of minutes to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before your child heads outside. Reapply every 2-3 hours and more often if your child gets wet or sweaty.

Freedom Balanced with Responsibility

The absence of school’s more regimented schedule automatically evokes feelings of freedom. While it is great to allow your child more relaxation and freedom in the summer, take mind to make sure the freedoms are balanced with responsibility. The beginning of summer is a good time to go over rules about avoiding strangers. As the warm weather makes it possible for your children to spend more time playing on the playground and wandering around the neighborhood, remind them of the importance of staying away from strangers. For children who are old enough to engage in activities like riding bikes without parents, enforce a buddy policy with friend or sibling so there is someone to help in case of an accident of any kind.

The carefree days of summer are fun for both parents and children. But there are always safety precautions that should be taken for your child’s protection. Make sure to implement some of these ideas along with anything else that seems important and necessary for your child. Every family has different traditions and hobbies. Make sure you and your child’s summer is full of fun memories. Follow these simple steps to make sure it is a safe time as well.

Sources:

www.bullfrogspas.com

http://usgovinfo.about.com/library/weekly/aa070901a.htm

What is the minimum SPF recommended for kids?