By Tammy Donoho
Kosair for Kids
Summertime has finally arrived. Summers are ideal for spending quality time with family and friends, taking a relaxing vacation, and allowing your kids to take a break from the demands of school.
Summertime can also be a challenge for parents as they attempt to plan fun and enriching activities to occupy the whole family and make special arrangements for childcare.
Check out these 5 Summer Safety Tips to ensure you and your family get the most out of the season:
1) Make a SPLASH: Revisit the Face It Body Safety 101 brochure and the SPLASH Body Safety guide to ensure children are educated on safe touch. Bathing suit season offers an opportunity to bring up boundaries naturally.
2) Be SUN Safe: Hydration and sunscreen are essentials when kids are playing outdoors. Utilize water, shade, and lotion or spray with SPF 30 or above to prevent sunburns.
3) Supervise accordingly: Depending on the age of the young person, appropriate supervision is essential to safety especially around water, fireworks, ATVs, bonfires, and boats.
4) Rework your routine: Children of all ages rely on a routine to set expectations and feel safe. Summer schedules can be strange but talking to your kids about what to expect and what is to come can help prevent tantrums or cranky attitudes.
5) Sit with your sitter: If you have a new babysitter or childcare provider, sit down, and talk to them one-on-one before they care for your child. Ask them what they would do in an emergency if they have basic lifesaving skills like CPR, and if they make you uneasy, TRUST YOUR GUT. Parents and caregivers can conduct background checks for safety.
Kosair Kids Face It is a movement to end child abuse — and keep all kids safe.