Setting Boundaries: How to Keep Kids Safe When Playing in the Yard

Photo by Luna Lovegood from Pexels

By Rachelle Wilber

Playing outside is a crucial part of a child’s development, and the ideal playground for kids at home is the yard. The outdoor environment provides space for children to exercise and appreciate nature. Follow the tips below to keep your kids safe while playing in the yard.

Supervise Children While They Play

Always have a responsible person watch over your children as they play in the backyard. Stay close, alert, and pay attention to their games so you can take action when needed. Don’t ignore sounds. The absence of presence of specific sounds may signify reasons for concern. Keep in mind that the risk of a fall in the yard or playground is about 1.92 times larger without adult supervision, so you should never leave your children alone outside. Unless of course they are older kids and they know how to take care of themselves. However, little children will need constant supervision to ensure that everyone is safe and secure at all times. Each parent will know how to manage this in their own individual families.

Keep the Yard Tidy and Safe

Walk around the yard looking for objects that can potentially harm a child and get rid of them. Pick up sticks, rocks, and any sharp objects lying on the grass. Also, look out for bugs. You can use a high-quality insect repellant on your kids to prevent bites. Get rid of any poisonous plants in your backyard and keep your lawn well-trimmed to keep away dangerous animals like snakes. Additionally, cover up any ditches in the yard and store gardening equipment and tools in the garage to prevent trips and falls. There is always time to make your yard safer for your kids. Making your yard safer will bring you more peace of mind in all situations.

Set Boundaries in the Yard

You should provide a confined play space for your children in the yard. If you have younger children, consider fencing the entire play area. That way, you will keep unwanted intruders like stray dogs from accessing the yard while your kids play. A sturdy and well-built fence will also prevent your kids from playing near the driveway. Let your kids know that they should only be on the driveway if they are skateboarding, rollerblading, playing basketball, or doing other activities that require a flat surface. All other activities should take place on the lawn in your yard. By separating these 2 areas, you will be able to manage your household a lot better than you could before.

Teach Your Kids About Safety

One of the best ways to keep your children safe in the backyard is by teaching them about safety. Tell your kids to always put on safety gear like a helmet while riding a bike. Ensure that you also teach your children how to use the play equipment. Let them know that they shouldn’t use playground equipment on wet or slippery ground. Warn the kids against standing on swings and constantly remind them to seek help when toys roll into the street or driveway. The best way to instill safety practices in your kids is by being an example and being safe yourself. When your kids see you taking the proper precautions, they will repeat the behavior themselves.

Your home backyard is one of the best places where your children can play and enjoy their leisure time. By following the above precautions and constantly monitoring the kids, you will provide a safe play space. Being safe when playing is incredibly important for kids.

About the Author

Bio: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009221637700