As a mom, you try to keep your children as safe as possible. You childproof the home and remove any potential hazards. You hold their hand as you cross the street. You tell them to slow down when they’re running too fast on the sidewalk.
It’s easy to put up your guardrails when you’re in control, but what about when your kids are freely playing? Are you being as cautious as you should be during recreational activities or playtime?
Awareness of safety standards can help prevent unnecessary accidents from occurring while also promoting a positive environment for your children. Here are a few reasons why every mom should care about playground safety standards.
Prevent Injuries
Let’s be honest: Kids can be careless at times. They are brave in their decisions, balancing on beams as if they were a trapeze player on a tightrope. They run around the edge of a pool, no matter how many times a lifeguard tells them to slow down.
They want to look brave in front of their peers, taking their hands off their bicycles or scooters. Of course, most of the time, it isn’t their fault. Children lack the emotional maturity and understanding to know what a careless choice is and what a safer option is instead.
These mishaps are all part of growing up. And while bumps, bruises, scrapes, and falls are bound to happen, parents should be attuned to preventing injuries during playtime. Actively supervising children while they’re freely playing on outdoor playground sets is one way to help prevent injuries from occurring. However, if the playground poses risks and hazards to begin with, there is little that a parent can do.
One of the most common accidents on a playground is falls. Children may climb to the top of a tower and lose their balance. They may fall off a swing as it soars through the air or accidentally tumble from a tall slide. Yes, accidental falls are going to occur no matter the playground’s parameters, but a properly designed modern playground can reduce these misfortunes. Or, at the very least, minimize their dangers and risks from turning into a more serious accident.
Well-maintained playground structures help reduce these types of accidents with rubber surfacing designed to cushion falls. Non-slip surfaces on climbing structures and pathways will prevent accidental slips from occurring in the first place. Guards and railings will be there for children to grasp onto before they lose their balance.
Stronger, Safer Communities
Your child’s safety at the playground goes beyond your immediate family. It’s also a concern for other families within your community. When a playground poses certain hazards — such as sharp edges, loose screws or bolts, and broken parts — all children are at risk. It only takes one major accident for the community to be struck with grief.
Playgrounds are community hubs, destinations for everyone to come together. Socialization on the playground occurs between children but also between adults. Moms swap stories, tips, and anecdotes with one another. They form bonds that go beyond the playground, inviting each other to their homes for playdates or meeting up after school drop off for coffee or a walk. These interactions lead to friendships, which instill a sense of shared ownership between kids.
Soon enough, a child may see a neighbor as a “second mom” of sorts, asking her to help tie their shoelaces or if they can go on the taller swings at the playground. This shared responsibility is a huge compliment to many moms, but it also means that there are shared expectations in terms of safety.
When a playground is safe, moms can feel at ease to let their children, as well as their friends’ children, play freely. While they may supervise from a distance, they don’t need to get too involved in the child’s play. This gives children the chance to problem-solve and explore on their own within the confines of the safe playground.
In Conclusion
While it’s a lot to consider, and no mom can always be there for their children, taking some initiative regarding safety standards can be beneficial. Clearly communicating with your children about safety should be top of mind. You don’t need to scare them by telling them all the ways they could get hurt; rather, speak with them openly about why you care about safety and reinforce the importance of making smart decisions. Role-playing different scenarios can be a good way to help them understand potential risks.
Setting clear rules and boundaries regarding safety is also important for moms. Tell your children that they must always wear a helmet when riding a bike or scooter. Let them know that they must be with a parent or caregiver when going to the playground. For older children, review where in the neighborhood they are allowed to go with friends and when they must ask for your permission. These rules may feel restrictive to children, but it’s in their own best interest to follow them, especially when it comes to free time on the playground.
Playgrounds are designed to be enjoyable. Having certain rules in place, like no roughhousing or using equipment correctly, can help eliminate a trip to the emergency room. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 200,000 children in the U.S. go to the emergency room because of a playground incident. Don’t let your children be one of them. Know that your park, school, church, or community’s playground is safe, and let your children play with some rules set in place.
