Across the country, temperatures are on the rise and families are getting out of the house to soak up some summer fun in the sun. But spending more time away from home comes with a healthy amount of risk. As we slowly begin to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, there are other risk factors at play that we need to consider in order to keep our families safe.
Before you dive head first into all that summer has to offer, use this blog post to create your mental list of considerations for adventures of all kinds, including backyard fun.
- Bye, bugs! While many insects are still shaking off their winter blues, there’s no shortage of bugs to be found, no matter where you live. Keep your kiddos bite-free by using bug-proof protection. Bug spray, bug lamps, and citronella candles can make a huge difference in keeping them safe from harmful bites or stings while outdoors.
- Stranger danger! Also known as “tricky people,” teaching your kids about the dangers of unknown people and dangerous situations can truly save lives. Warmer weather often means more time outdoors, sometimes unsupervised, depending on their age. Making sure they understand the dangers of predators and what to do if they find themselves in danger is a must. Take some time this week to refresh their understanding.
- Street smarts! If your kids spend time in the driveway, at the park, riding their bike, or playing away from home, it’s so important that they know how to respect the rules of the road. Reminding them that it’s dangerous to chase toys into the road, the proper ways to use a crosswalk, and what to do if they get lost away from home can go a long way in keeping them out of harm’s way.
- Sunny essentials! Sunscreen is a must, even if your kids won’t be able to thank you for it for a few more decades. Keeping sunscreen on hand in the car, in the diaper bag, and at home makes it easier to remember to lotion up before spending time outdoors. And don’t forget to apply some yourself, mom or dad. It’s important that your entire family protects themselves against the sun’s harmful rays.
- Water safety! Regardless of whether or not your kids have access to pools, lakes, or other bodies of water, it’s important that they know how to respect the dangers of these things. Knowing how to swim is a great place to start, but it’s also important to know when to wear a life jacket, how to find help if needed, or how to stay afloat in case of emergencies.
Work your way through this list with your little ones this week to give yourself peace of mind and keep them aware of dangers they could potentially encounter while enjoying their summer fun. Your friends at Lessy Messy wish you a happy, healthy, and safe summer with your little ones!