With the beautiful spring we are having it is reminding us that summer is right around the corner. School will be out and the kids will be outside playing a lot more. Now is a great time to think about backyard safety so your kids can play and you can relax.
As a mom, one of the first things I think about when it comes to back yards is the swimming pools. If your yard has a pool, make sure to remind your children about pool safety and to not play by the pool without your supervision. Many choose to fence their pools but it still can be an attraction to many children.
Pets and their toys and by products can also be a hazard to your children. Have a fun cleanup day and get all of the debris straightened up so your kids can play without having to worry about stepping on Fido’s toys.
Gardening products are also a big hazard. If you use fertilizers, weed killers and bug sprays or similar type products, make sure they are out of harm’s way. Take a walk around the yard and look for gardening tools that might not have been put away or other garden hazards a young child could get into.
Check out the fence line if you have one, and make sure there is nothing that has been thrown over from other neighbors. I found glass in my side yard from a neighbor’s child that was mad. That could have led to a cut foot from my child and my dog.
Certain plants could be a hazard if they attract a lot of bees or have poisonous berries or leaves. Many plants are not good for pets or kids so check yours out using a gardener’s guide and perhaps replacing them might be an option.
By taking a few minutes now to prepare your outside play space is going to mean that your kids have a safe environment to play as the weather warms up. Have a fun, safe spring and summer!