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3.
Create a Safe Outdoor Space for Kids
|
When
weather permits, I feel there is no better place to play and learn than
outdoors. It is an opportunity to breathe fresh air, get the daily dose of
Vitamin D, enjoy the flora and fauna of the garden, study the clouds and sky,
and just relax.
The challenge is to make your outdoor space safe for kids with learning
disabilities, whether physically challenged or needing protection from
wandering away, or other issues as discussed below.
Some of the outdoor challenges to consider
1. Foot protection. Some kids may not
like the feel of grass under their feet, so I recommend they wear flip-flops
with sling backs even in summer. Also, they are protected from sharp objects
like small rocks and the stray bottle cap or other small debris. And, if there
are pets in the family shoes protect from a step into their 'you know what'. In
my garden I even have droppings to clean up from the large birds like geese
that fly over, as we are just a couple of blocks from a nature preserve.
2. Surface under play equipment. There are lots of commercial
rubber-like pads that can be placed under the swing set or jungle gym. My
favorite choice is beach sand, though. It looks natural and is easy to groom
with a rake and refresh as necessary. How about building a
sturdy wood border out from the play equipment to contain the sand and
sandcastle equipment. This could make part of your yard a real kids'
area like the local playground, with the advantage it is right under your eyes,
being in your own yard.
3. Pets' area. If you have rabbits or dogs who have their own house or
cage it is important to teach the kids not to tease the animals and to respect
their space. If your kids can help out, it is good for the kids' self esteem to participate in your animals' care. Bonding
with animals, learning to care for animals is easier for some kids to practice
who have communication issues with people. Later, the skills learned
communicating and talking with pets can be carried over to human interaction.
4. Perimeter fencing and gates. Sturdy fencing is necessary if you
really need to contain kids in an area. I like chain link fences because it can
serve as a guide and support for vines and while offering safety it is
see-through so does not limit the views beyond the yard. But every case is
different and all kinds of fencing have pros and cons.
5. Water hazards. With ponds, make sure there is a grate with small
spaced grids installed just below the water level to eliminate accidents.
Jacuzzis should have tight covers that can be walked on and so should pools.
Check with the regulations in your state to see if a pool needs its own gate
enclosure.
In summary, take a look around your garden and yard to see where there
may be problems, and reserve some time to make your yard a safe and fun place
for all members of your family to enjoy!
Article by Susan Kramer
Related Ebooks and Books:
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More Health and Safety Lessons:
|
1.
A Lesson in Giving Food
2. Backyard
Physical Activities
3. Create a Safe
Outdoor Space for Kids
4. Halloween Safety
Ideas for Kids of all Abilities
5. Harsh
Weather Tips
6. Holiday Safety for Kids
7. Holistic
Living Benefits All Kids
8. Illness
or Accident Leading to a Challenge
9. Make Autumn a Time for Kids' Yearly Checkups
10. Street Safety Tips
for Kids
11.
Teach Kids a
Relaxation Technique
12. The
New Classroom or School when Challenged
13. Walking and
Talking with Kids
14. Warm Up Exercises
Outdoors in Cold Weather
15. Winter
Tips for Challenged Kids
16. Mercury and Developmental Problems
17. Get the
Lead Out - Lead Poisoning Dangers
All articles copyright ©
2000-2017 Susan Kramer
email
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