Any type of play is beneficial for the development of young bodies and minds. However, free and unstructured play is particularly important for the development of independence, problem-solving skills, creativity, and social skills. As a parent, it’s important to step back and let your little one explore and imagine their surroundings with minimal guidance or intervention.
However, giving your child greater freedom on the playground or at home can be a little scary. Loosening the reins comes with some risks, and it’s important to learn how to navigate them so your child doesn’t end up injured or worse. Here are some suggestions for how to keep your kid safe while encouraging invaluable free play.
Keep Them In Your Line of Sight
Letting your little one engage in free play doesn’t mean dropping them off at the playground and heading home. It’s crucial to always keep them in your line of sight so you can see what they’re doing and who’s around them at all times. If they’re having fun on outdoor playground equipment, resist the urge to sit on a nearby bench and bury your face in your phone. Instead, stay vigilant and watchful as you observe your young one interacting with the people and objects around them.
You may need to intervene if your kiddo’s imagination drives them to do something they don’t recognize as dangerous. There’s always some risk involved with goofing off in an unstructured environment. However, if your child engages in an activity that could seriously hurt themselves or others, it’s time to step in and teach them boundaries. Once they learn what’s acceptable and what’s not, they can make wiser risk-taking decisions going forward.
Set Up a Buddy System
A buddy system can be extremely helpful in minimizing unacceptable risks during free play. In a buddy system, no child is ever left alone. Instead, they always have at least one designated “buddy” who stays by their side at all times. This prevents little ones from wandering off, engaging in unacceptably dangerous playground behavior, or being abducted.
If you have multiple children, siblings can become each other’s playmates. Older siblings often enjoy looking after the younger kids in a fun and unstructured environment. If your child doesn’t have brothers or sisters, consider setting up a regular play date with one or more neighborhood friends. Let them know they’re free to play however their imaginations dictate. But be sure to emphasize the importance of sticking together in the designated play area at all times.
Make Sure They’re Dressed Appropriately
Many parents let their kids pick out whatever they want to wear before going out to play. While encouraging independence is a good thing, you should still provide guidance for appropriate attire. Otherwise, you increase your risk of exposing your little one to elements they’re not adequately protected against.
On fair-weather days, opt for loose, lightweight clothing. It works well because it tends to be breathable and can help prevent young ones from overheating. If slides and playground equipment are hot, it’s best to dress your young one in pants rather than shorts. You can still have them wear a short-sleeved shirt to keep them cool. In cases of inclement weather, long sleeves and jackets are more appropriate.
Prevent Dehydration
Dehydration is a leading cause of death in infancy and childhood. It happens when the body loses excessive liquid and experiences a dangerous imbalance of electrolytes. It’s not unusual for children to become so engrossed in play that they ignore their body’s thirst cues. To keep your kid safe during unstructured playtime, periodically give them something to drink.
It’s best to avoid sugary beverages like juices and sodas because these don’t adequately hydrate the body. Instead, opt for plain water in most cases or offer an electrolyte-infused drink, if your little one has been sweating a lot. Serious signs of dehydration in children include dry mouth, confusion, fainting, and listlessness. If you notice any of these indications, take immediate action to rehydrate your child and seek emergency assistance as needed.
Look for Hazards in the Play Area
To keep your child safe during unstructured play, take time to look for hazards before letting them loose. For example, before sending your kid into the backyard to play, take a few minutes to look for sharp tools like pruning shears or hedge trimmers that may have been left out. If your area is prone to dangerous creatures like rattlesnakes, scorpions, or fire ants, do a quick scan of the yard to make sure there aren’t any in the vicinity. Besides insects and animals, you should also note any problematic plants. You definitely don’t want to deal with a case of poison ivy.
Don’t forget to secure latches to gates and fences so your kiddo can’t wander off. It’s amazing how quickly a child can disappear if they locate an unsecured exit. Similarly, you should make sure swimming pool gates are closed and locked and hot tub covers are securely latched before sending your young one outdoors to explore.
Free play is designed to be largely unmonitored and undirected. However, that doesn’t negate your responsibility to protect your child from danger. Whether you’re taking your youngster to the park or letting them romp in the backyard, use these tips to keep them safe during their unstructured play sessions.
