How to Child proof Your Yard

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By HardworkinJudy
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Playing - dailymail.co.uk

Our children's safety is worth any amount of time and expense involved. Taking precautions beforehand is much better than ending up in the emergency room or worse.

We are growing into a sedentary country where exercise is becoming a thing of the past and obesity in our children is rising at an alarming rate. Our parents told us to go outside and play, and the neighbors helped watch us, but in today's age it isn't often easy to get your child to go outside and play. They would prefer to stay inside and watch television or play computer games.

It is a necessary part of their social skills to learn to play and interact outside with other children, get a few minutes of sunshine daily and improve motor skills while participating in active play.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

a watchful eye
childproof lock

Step 1

Combine Lawn Work with Play -Holly*flickr.com

Encourage your child/ren to play outside. The health benefits are many. You may have to play outside yourself occasionally. This gives you the opportunity to improve your bond with your child, get some vitamin D, and give yourself a cardiovascular workout too. In this picture Mom gets some of your yard work done, keeps an eye oh her child, and can stop periodically to enjoy playing with her child.
Step 2

Lawn - Rebecca Hi...flickr.com

Check your lawn for broken glass, debris, holes or animal feces. Remove anything that could be a potential danger. Fill in holes left by moles. You can beautify your lawn, and provide a safer play area at the same time.
Step 3

Put Baby on a Blanket - De'Nick'ni... flickr.com

If your children are small enough to put everything in their mouths, you will need to be certain that mushrooms and other poisonous plants are removed. It may be better to place the child on a blanket, if they are still in the teething stages because many things will interest them. Make sure that you are near enough to keep a constant eye and reach the child in seconds, preferably outside.
Step 4

Clothesline - canknitian flickr.com

String your clothesline high enough that children running to catch a ball will not propel themselves backwards by running into the line.
Step 5

Mowing Lawn - DrStarbuck flickr.com

Children should not play near a lawn mower while the lawn is being mowed. Flying sticks and stones are a potential hazard. Do not allow a small child to ride on a mower with you as the blades are dangerous. Children s behavior is difficult to predict but the sharpness of the blades is not.
Step 6

Gate - Steve Coll... flickr.com

Place child proof locks on your fence gates so that children cannot ride bikes or trikes out into the streets or run out to retrieve a flying ball.
Step 7

Grilling Outdoors - miss rache... flickr.com

Keep children away from the grill when cooking outdoors. The potential for burns is just as great here as near the stove. Also be careful to keep them away from the grill once the food is served up because the embers remain hot for a long time.
Step 8

Pools - unity.proj... flickr.com

Safeguard pool areas at all times. Infants and children can drown in very little times. If possible be present at all times, or restrict the pool area from their reach. This is one of the most dangerous areas for children. Swimming lessons for infants is also a wonderful idea.
Step 9

Trash Cans - Malingerin... flickr.com

Trash cans may invite the inquisitive youngster. Not only are trash cans unsafe because of the germs, but some animals are drawn to them also. To make them less appealing to raccoons, skunks, etc. tie a rag dipped in ammonia to the handle. Fence off trash cans, if possible. Keep them tightly lidded and free from debris on the outside.
Step 10

Have a Ball - KRISnFRED flickr.com

Now that we have our yard relatively safe, let's play. Your child will look back at this time when they are grown with fondness and there will be cherished memories.