A playground is an excellent place for your children to explore, learn motor and social skills, and let off steam.
Playground safety emphasizes the importance of teaching your children how to be healthy and responsible on the playground. According to the National Safety Council, over 200,000 children visit hospital emergency rooms each year because of playground injuries.
Keep these things in mind next time you and your kids go to the playground:
- An adult needs to supervise and be present while kids are playing.
- No roughhousing! Never push others on the equipment.
- Use the equipment how it's intended and choose age-appropriate equipment. (No standing on swings or sliding down face-first.)
- Dress appropriate for play. Wear clothes that don't have drawstring or cords that could get caught on the equipment. Tennis shoes will support little feet best, and don't forget sunscreen.
- Don't use playground equipment when it's wet. Slippery surfaces can lead to falls and injuries.
- In warm weather, playground equipment can become dangerously hot to the touch. If it's too hot, it's not safe to play on.
Play is an important part of kids' physical, social and intellectual development. Teach your kids how to play safe and join in the fun!