Round and round the garden

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Now warmer weather’s arrived the best way to stop your kids running around indoors, getting up to mischief or fighting over toys is by suggesting they play in the garden! Outdoor spaces aren’t just brilliant for play equipment, paddling pools, and sandpits but they also provide children with a whole new range of things to see and do. Mind you, while your back garden is on your property it’s not without danger and gardening accidents involving children are pretty common.

Keep Them Close

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One of the best ways you can make sure a child doesn’t get hurt is to have them play within sight and earshot. Knowing what they’re up to is half the battle in keeping them safe, so by having a dedicated ‘playing’ area on the lawn, they’re less likely to go wandering off into the bushes.

Flowers And Shrubs

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Make sure your flower beds are kept neat and tidy, brambles and thorns aren’t likely to get caught on clothing and try to avoid having prickly shrubs or spiky flowers in the garden at all. Show children any sharp or dangerous plants, point out those plants that are safe to eat like tomatoes, strawberries and beans plus ones they should never touch! Try to look at your garden from a child’s point of view. What are they most likely to be curious about? For instance, pampas grass is really furry but you need to let them know its leaves are very sharp.

Paddling Pools And Ponds

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Paddling pools should always be emptied, dried and put away when they’re finished with. If it rains overnight your child could easily end up falling into the water next morning. Fence off ponds, or have access via a small side gate that only adults and teens have the key to. Ponds can be quite hazardous as they’re deep, contain bacteria and children may find themselves tangled in blanket weed or swallowing lots of water which will make them ill. If you’re not confident that kids will listen then the best option is to fill it in. You can always reverse this when they’re older and instead have a child-friendly bubble fountain, bird path, or rainstick water feature.

Outdoor Toys

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Make sure any large pieces of play equipment are assembled by an adult and never let children use any that are still being built, or that have something missing. Place playhouses and climbing frames in the centre of the lawn, away from trees, fences, and bushes as adventurous kids may try to climb onto these or accidentally fall into a bush. Don’t forget that if you’ve got a swing set or slide you’ll need to put down a soft landing too. Avoid having gravel paths and walkways, not only do older children like to throw it but younger kids have been known to put gravel in their mouths and end up choking.

DIY And Power Tools

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When you take a break pop them in the toolbox or carry them indoors with you, making sure that the drill’s safety switch is enabled. Never leave power tools in the garden and keep them on a high shelf or in a lockable box when not in use.