Heading out with your family for a day of fun in the sun or simply to run some errands is not without its challenges, particularly if you have multiple children. Keeping a constant eye on your little ones and being aware of potential dangers can quickly zap the enjoyment out of any family outing. However, there’s no reason you should have a miserable time every time you step out with your loved ones. Here is a basic guide to keeping your family safe whilst enjoying your time together.
Educating your children about stranger danger is vitally important for keeping them safe. While many parents teach their children to be kind, polite and respectful to adults, the unfortunate reality is that not every adult can be trusted. Encourage your kids to trust their instincts if they ever feel unsafe in a particular situation or with someone - stranger or otherwise. Consider the “No, Go, Yell, Tell.” method for recognising and handling dangerous situations should you become accidentally separated from your child. If they are approached by an unfamiliar adult, and they feel unsafe, instruct them to say no, run away, shout as loud as they can and immediately seek out a trusted adult.
Cuts, bruises, scrapes and grazes happen - it’s an integral part of childhood. While you may want to wrap your little ones up in cotton wool, risk-taking and learning from mistakes are part and parcel of childhood development. As such, carrying a compact first aid kit is always advisable to patch up any minor injuries. Ensure your first aid kit contains band-aids of varying sizes, antiseptic cream, sterile gauze dressings, triangular bandages, safety pins, disposable gloves and tweezers.
The importance of sun safety cannot be overstated. Your young child’s skin is highly delicate, much thinner and more sensitive in comparison to yours. Therefore, every step should be taken to protect them from harmful UV rays. Apply SPF 50 sunscreen to their exposed skin before leaving the house, reapplying roughly every two hours. You should also dress them in loose, lightweight, breathable clothing to keep them cool and a wide-brimmed sun hat to protect their face and neck.
Teaching your kids the importance of road safety is crucial, particularly if you live in a build-up, urban area. Always set a good example by choosing a safe place to cross and demonstrating the “stop, look, listen, think” strategy for road safety. Children learn by observing their caregivers and peers, so always be aware of danger and avoid taking risks. Furthermore, encourage your child to hold your hand whilst crossing the road and always ensure they walk on the side of the pavement away from the traffic.
Heading outdoors with your family means packing for every eventuality - within reason. A well-packed bag containing all the necessary items, such as sunscreen, first aid, water, snacks and spare clothes, will ensure everybody is safe, happy and comfortable all day long. If you have a toddler or baby, you can strap heavy bags and rucksacks to their buggy, saving the strain on your back and shoulders.
Keeping your kids hydrated while they’re preoccupied with playing can be a struggle. Nevertheless, make sure you bring plenty of water along on day trips, particularly on hot days. Encourage your child to take a big drink before they start playing, and ensure they take a water break at least every thirty minutes to prevent dehydration. You can also pack water-rich snacks like cucumber, watermelon, apples and peaches. Not only are these foods tasty and refreshing, but they are packed with nutrients like vitamin C, which is vital for growth, development and body tissue repair.
Children thrive on boundaries. While many of us find saying “no” difficult, healthy boundaries are crucial. Young children may not understand that when a parent or caregiver tells them “no”, it is not to purposefully deprive them of something they want but to keep them safe. For instance, if your child is hellbent on running away from you in crowded public areas like supermarkets, it is vital that you explain to them exactly why you need them to stay by your side. Make your message clear and easy for them to understand. Furthermore, be consistent and follow through with repercussions once boundaries are crossed.