By Contributing Author Nan Gibbons of the Eat Breathe Blog
With spring just around the corner, teaching Reid, my energetic three year old son, how to be safe is especially important. We live in San Diego so the weather is warmer than most places year-round, but in the upcoming months leading to summer the kids will be playing outdoors even more. Make sure that your children are aware of possible dangerous situations and how to avoid them in order to keep safe.
With him being three years old, I don’t let him go out and play on his own, but it’s never too early to start teaching children important safety rules. There may be a time when he is with a babysitter or family member and they may lose track of him for a minute, and those are the times I’m preparing him for.
Here are some spring safety thoughts to ponder and that you can teach your children:
- Playing in or near the road is dangerous. Explain to your children just how dangerous it is. Let them know that if they get too close to the road or even the edge of the road, there is a chance they may get hit by a car. In fact, the further away from the road that they can play, the better. If you have a driveway that is relatively flat they are better off playing there. They can ride their bikes in the driveway, draw pictures in chalk, play hopscotch, play a sport or even play with soap bubbles. Some people buy an orange fencing or a net that can be set up at the end of the driveway to discourage the children from going in to the road. I have even seen some who park their cars sideways at the bottom of the driveway. This serves as a reminder not to go past that point.
- Playing in the backyard is very sensible. There is so much to do in a roomy backyard. Playing sports and running through the sprinkler are just two of them. If there is a pool in your backyard, you need to be sure that there is proper fencing around the pool, as well as a locked gate. Never leave children unattended in or near a pool, even a wading pool. Children are naturally curious beings and will want to take a closer look at the pool. Have your children know water safety facts as well. If the rules are not followed do not let the children swim. Stand your ground and remain firm.
- Riding a bike is good exercise and should be encouraged. Be sure that your child’s bike is not too big for him. He should be able to put both feet on the ground while sitting on his bicycle. Your child should also be wearing a helmet.
I put Reid in the jogging stroller yesterday and we went for our usual spin around the block a few times. It was so nice to know that I have my ADT security system, so that my house is protected while we are away. Safety does not just pertain to the outside of the house, but on the inside as well!
About the Author: Nan Gibbons is the proud single mother of her three-year-old son Reid. As a licensed nutritionist and personal trainer, she owns and operates her own personal training business in San Diego. In their free time, Nan and Reid enjoy exploring the beach with their lab mix Cody, putting together puzzles, and having healthy cooking adventures. You can read more about her health & fitness advice on her blog: Eat Breathe Blog.
Photo of boy with earthworm by USDAgov on Flickr
