Remember when you were a kid and the excitement you would get when you step outdoors?
From your perspective, it seemed like there are many adventures and infinite things to do, especially if you were the curious type because you would want to touch (or even taste) everything around you.
The intensity of exploration tendencies we had inside as kids can sometimes put us in trouble because of how unaware we are of the dangers around us.
Nevertheless, it is understandable that putting yourself in danger a few times is a normal part of being a child, and is part of the learning process, but for parents, it causes them a lot of distress and worry because of the increasing number of things they need to worry about.
So, to avoid the intense worry, lay some ground rules for you (and your kids) when they are outdoors so that they can enjoy playing outside, and exploring the world while keeping themselves safe and you less worried.
Table of Contents
Scan the surroundings
Even if a play area is assumed to be safe for kids, which most think so, we have to scan the environments first because there could be so many safety hazards for kids.
Every parent knows their kid more than anyone and can easily spot things that might catch their attention, but generally, look for objects that are sharp or things that might cause your kid to trip.
Also, make sure their wearing shoes. Never let your kids play outdoors without shoes because they will most probably step on something and hurt themselves.
Don’t eat anything found
Because of the natural curiosity of kids, they can easily put anything they see in their mouths.
Make sure that you let them know that they cannot eat anything they see outside, but you need to make them understand why.
Kids nowadays are exposed to media that gives them ideas you wouldn’t even know existed.
So, ensure that they understand that unlike what they see on their favorite cartoon show, they can’t eat anything like mushrooms, berries, etc…
Talking to strangers
It is common advice to tell your kids not to talk to strangers, but strangers probably know that and can get smarter in the ways they try to approach kids.
Make sure you present several scenarios a stranger might approach them with to a kid, and make sure they understand that the bad guys might seem nice in the beginning, so don’t ever talk to a stranger even if they seem nice and kind.
Even if the stranger doesn’t want to kidnap them or anything extreme, they might cause them emotional distress, which has consequences because it affects the children so much.
So, it is punishable by law for adults to do things that cause emotional distress to a child.
You can ask yourself something random like: Can you sue someone for shooting you?
And the answer is pretty much direct, but for questions like, can I sue someone for causing emotional distress to my kids?
The answer might not be that direct.
Wandering away
Let your kids know that they shouldn’t wander off anywhere alone even if it’s to a place they went to a million times and think they know well.
Keep reminding them that they should always stay under supervision, no matter how interesting they find the areas around them.
Maybe say something like: “If you want to go explore somewhere, let me know so I can come with you.” so they feel free to tell you before they go after something.
Sunscreen
Kids’ skin is very different from ours because of how sensitive it is.
They don’t tolerate the same environmental factors as older people do.
That’s why it’s important to apply sunscreen to a kid’s skin if you’re going out in the sun, and reapply every 2 to 3 hours, especially if you are somewhere like the pool, beach, or sweating a lot.
Hydration
Because kids are more active than we are, they sweat almost every time they go out and play which puts them at risk of dehydration.
Teach them the importance of proper hydration and the effect it has on our bodies, and how different we will feel hydrated from dehydration.
If your kid doesn’t really like drinking water a lot, consider buying them a bottle that they like because this would encourage the child to drink more.
Maybe even tell them that their favorite superhero wouldn’t be able to do all the things they’re doing without proper hydration – that might be great motivation for them.
