“Can I let my child play outdoors?” This is a very common question among new parents. Many new parents are concerned about safety and the risks to their children. When you read the latest statistics on childhood accidents, it is no surprise that many parents are asking these questions.
Parents are rightfully concerned about the physical and mental health of their children. Research shows that outdoor activities can have positive benefits for kids. Playing outdoors keeps children outside and provides a chance for them to burn off excess energy. It allows them to socialize with other children and gives them an opportunity to make new friends. It also gives parents an opportunity to see if there are any environmental hazards in their neighborhood. Many parents are taking this into consideration when they are planning outings for their children.
However, you do need to be a responsible parent. If you don’t supervise your child you can open yourself up to a number of dangers. Your child can get lost in the woods or drive into a busy street. Your child could also run into an obstacle, fall, or be struck by a motor vehicle.
There is no one single answer to this question. There are pros and cons of letting your child play outdoors. Many parents feel more safe knowing that their child is playing in a well lit area. Children who spend time outdoors are less likely to get lost, run across streets, or get involved in dangerous activities.
On the other hand, there are some real dangers to outdoor toys. Your children may develop a fascination with outdoor toys that can lead to addiction. These children can also develop physical injuries that can be very serious.
There are also some real risks to letting your child play with the wrong type of toys. Your child should not have any toys in their mouth when you leave them unattended. You should supervise any toy fights that may occur. Always supervise where your child places items such as medications, ladders or scissors. Lockable items should also be put in the same place that locks protect your other belongings.
The best way to avoid accidents or danger from outdoor toys is to play with them within visual range of your home. This can be accomplished by playing outdoors during many or most of the day. It can also be accomplished by allowing your children to play inside for a portion of the day, while supervising them. Allow them to explore an outdoor toy section of your local store. Most toy stores will offer a parent’s guide which will explain to you what you can not do inside the store.
I realize that it is nice if you can sit down with your child and plan creative ideas for their outdoor play. However, it is vital that you keep safety in mind at all times. The best way to protect your child from harm is to teach them safety early. Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle or unattended in the home. If you must leave your child unsupervised make sure you know his or her limits and never let them go alone. Always keep an eye on your children and keep your property secure.
As a parent you will also need to teach your children how to stay safe when they are outside. Teach them how to stay safe by supervising them with toys or play equipment. Always tell your child how to get things done correctly. You can do this by listing the actions that you expect from them when playing outdoors. This will help your child know what to expect if they do play outside unsupervised.
I think the best solution is to use toys when supervising children. If you purchase brightly colored balls and other toys that are stimulating, you can easily keep your child safe and engaged when you are outside. Once you find the right toys for your child you will be able to play with them and your children will have hours of fun. Many of the toys are designed so your child can be entertained for long periods of time. When choosing toys, make sure that they are age appropriate and will keep your child safe.
Can I let my child play outside with no supervision? Absolutely! There are many great outdoor toys that can keep your child active and occupied for hours on end. I am not saying that you should leave your child unsupervised but as long as they do not hurt themselves or others they should be fine.
What Age Can a Child Play Outside Unsupervised?
The question of what age can a child play outside unsupervised has been explored in recent articles. In one article, the author reported on a neighbor who had two teenage boys who were leaving the house on a rainy afternoon. One of the boys was holding a skateboard and the other had a ball which he was trying to keep from rolling through the drive way. This is when the real trouble started. The older boy got out of the car and began to chase the younger boy, taking him so badly that the other boy’s mother, who saw the commotion, tackled the older boy.
Fortunately, a quick response from a Good Samaritan with a police officer showed enough presence of mind for both boys to return to playing outside unsupervised. So, what age can a child play outside unsupervised? Well, if you are not going to supervise your children, I would say about seven or eight years old is a good place for them to be playing by themselves, unsupervised.
However, there are instances where children can be a hazard to themselves and others when playing outside unsupervised. These can range from anything such as running into traffic or rolling down a sidewalk. Here is what I have found from my research on what age can a child play outside unsupervised:
A. When a little one is playing outside unsupervised and a stranger comes along, this can be a very dangerous situation. Even if the strangers intentions are good, the fact that a stranger is in their space unsupervised can be scary. If the little one tries to chase after the stranger, they could run into things they are not prepared for, such as sticks, rocks, or yard tools. There is also the chance that the stranger will take the child for a ride. I’ve heard of some little ones being hit by a moving vehicle while playing outside unsupervised.
B. Another danger of what age can a child play outside unsupervised is the same thing as what age can a child play inside the house. Some old ones who might be home alone might feel uncomfortable leaving the front door unlocked. In fact, I hear some people telling stories about little ones forgetting to lock the front door when they come home from school. A stranger danger of what age can a child play outside unsupervised can be just as real as what age can a child play in the house with an adult family member.
C. Two other dangers of what age can a child play outside unsupervised are things that just happen. My neighbor’s three delightful, precious grandchildren recently welcomed their third adorable, lovely and spirited grandchild. The neighborhood kid said he did not think the little ones were quite old enough to let grandma know what they were doing, but this gentleman saw the toddlers run and play right in the living room. He told the ladies the children were only three years old, but nobody would believe him at face value. When the three delightful babies came running in from a well deserved afternoon nap, their mother was totally surprised that her three precious babies were older than she thought.
D. And the third danger of what age can a child play outside unsupervised is that of a stranger becoming too close. You see, there is nothing more terrifying than the feeling of danger for a new mother to her own children. It is the mother’s right to protect her children, and it is the parents’ right to keep a close eye on their young ones. If the neighborhood kids get too close to your toddler, then that is a clear indication that you should keep an eye on your toddler as well. The safest play places for your children are, where they have free run of the entire property. If the property is fenced in, or there is some type of fencing or wall to block off the entire property, then that is even better.
G. And the fourth danger of what age can a child play outside unsupervised is that of a criminal entering the premises. In these modern times we live in, we have all seen the news reports about children being taken away from happy, healthy families just because somebody thought it would be a good idea to let the family walk out to the road after dark. This is an all too common occurrence. A few years ago Amber D Nixon wrote a book called “The Missing Secrets of Grandparents” which focused on the importance of protecting your grandchildren from these predators. Ms. Nixon wrote that if you have a toddler who is not supervised when he or she is playing in the yard or having outdoor adventures that you must ensure that you know where your child is at all times.
