3 Things to Teach Your Kids When They Play in the Garden

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Are your children safe in the garden? The world if full of hazards but you should be sure that your kids know how to remain safe in the place they play the most.

Children learn new things everyday but one of the first lessons they should learn is how to stay safe. There are many safety tips to remember even in your own garden and the best way to ensure your child’s safety is to watch them closely. However, even with excellent supervision it is important that children are aware of specific safety rules. Although there are many, here are just a few of the most important safety tips that you should teach your children as early as you can:
  • Make sure they know not to stray too far from the house if you don’t have a fenced in garden.
  • Be careful around pools. Don’t run or play near the edges.
  • Be careful around thorny or poisonous plants. Make sure children know that they shouldn’t put anything in their mouths.

Know the Boundaries

Keeping a child’s curiosity contained can sometimes be a challenge. Many parents have had the terrifying experience of looking away for a second only to realize that their child has run off. Keeping a close eye on kids is important, but you can also teach them where it is okay to play. Having a fenced in garden is helpful. A physical boundary goes a long way in bridling a child’s will to leave your property, but if they really want to they can find a way around it. Teach children the difference between your property and your neighbour’s parcel. Also, if your garden is close to the street, they need to be taught that it is dangerous cross it without an adult present.

Stay Away from Pool Edges

It is not hard to understand why water is a dangerous hazard for children. Ponds, pools and other bodies of water are common in gardens and near residential properties. However, if a child falls in, the results can be unthinkable. Pools come with their own distinct set of risks. Not only can it be a dangerous if a child falls into the water, but the concrete on the edges of a pool can be slick when wet. Running or playing on a wet poolside can cause serious falls and injuries. It is important to either put a fence around any pools or ponds you have or to actively supervise a child while they are near water. Public pools often employ the use of convex mirrors to increase the view of a surrounding area. This is a good idea for gardens in general, especially when ponds and pools are involved.

Don’t Eat the Plants

Gardens are often home to vegetation, some that you may have planted and others that may be native to the area. Exploring an area of lush flora can be exciting for a child. However, plants can be hazardous if kids become too curious. Point out which plants have thorns or thistles that might be harmful to a child and make sure they know that they should never eat or chew anything found outside. The only way to be sure that your child won’t get into some trouble in your garden is to supervise them closely. However, teaching them safety techniques is another great way to ensure their safety.