* This is a collaborative post

Active, outdoor play plays a critical role in the development of young children. It will help them to deal with setbacks, mediate conflict, and grow a sense of independence. Children have been doing it for as long as the human species has been around – and encouraging it should be a priority for all parents.

Of course, a playground is not a completely safe environment – and there’s still a role for parents and guardians of small children to play in helping to manage the risks. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

Active Supervision

Children might be surprisingly willing to endanger their health in pursuit of a new goal on the playground. This might mean attempting to play on an apparatus that isn’t appropriate for their age level. Much as a two-year-old might want to climb the tallest structure in the area, doing so might put them at risk.

For this reason, it’s worth keeping a careful eye on children in this situation. If children begin to use the equipment inappropriately, then adults must intervene before an accident occurs. 

Risky play can sometimes lead to severe injury. Brain injury claims might be made after such an injury has been suffered, but it’s obviously better to avoid the problem in the first place. Of course, it’s healthy for your children to engage in smaller risks, and to push one another. This is what will help them to deal with the risks they face when you aren’t around. But this doesn’t negate the need for small children to be monitored while they’re playing.

Regular Equipment Checks

Playground equipment is designed to be safe for children to use. But what if the equipment isn’t in good condition? A climbing frame that’s in danger of disintegrating beneath the weight of a child probably won’t be safe to play on. 

For this reason, it’s a good idea to quickly take a look at the play apparatus before allowing your children to play with it. Make sure that surfaces are clear of debris, and that structures are sound. If you see a problem, make sure that you notify your local authority quickly, so that they can take corrective action.

Appropriate Play Attire

Sometimes, danger can stem from the clothes that your children are wearing. It’s more difficult to climb a ladder while wearing Wellington boots, or sandals, than it is to climb it while wearing trainers.

Accessories, like wristwatches, necklaces, scarves and cords can also create risk. If they get caught on a piece of equipment, they might even pose a risk of strangulation. In some cases, certain items of clothing can create risk by restricting visibility. Hats, sunglasses, and helmets might fit into this category.