A family garden can be a wonderful thing. It’s a great place to have fun and make a mess. It gives you a chance to spend time outdoors, exercising and getting some vitamin D. It’s a place to bond away from screens and devices. And somewhere that you can relax and unwind, either as a family or on your own.
For kids, above all else, a garden should be fun. They should have outdoor toys to play with and things like bikes and scooters to enjoy. They should be free to make a mess, grow plants and fruit for themselves and explore their creativity.
It should be somewhere that they can enjoy while being safe and surrounded by the things that they enjoy.
You shouldn’t have to worry about their safety in your own home garden. While you might still want to supervise young children, you shouldn’t be too worried about anything more than the odd cut or scraped knee from a fall off their bike.
Be Careful with Water
A water feature is a fantastic addition to any garden. If you’ve got older children, you might want to add a large pond with supplies from Swell UK if you’ve got space. But, if your garden is smaller or your children are very young, you might be better sticking with smaller and safer fountains and features.
If you have got water in your garden, make sure that you educate your children on how to behave around it, and that you supervise them when they are outside.
Keep Dangers Locked Away
Any chemicals that you use to clean or feed your garden should never be left out or stored where children could reach them. Nor should sharp or powerful tools.
A shed with a proper lock is the ideal place to keep anything that poses a risk. But, if that’s not possible, find a safe space indoors.
Keep Things Clean
Gardens get messy, and to some extent that’s fine. But, very dirty spaces, like a muddy and wet decking or path can cause slipping hazards, especially to young children running around without thought. Keep pathways and other flooring clean and clear to reduce the risk of slips and trips.
Make Sure it’s Enclosed
Young children can get a long way in just a few seconds unwatched. So, even if you plan to be outside with them, making sure your garden is enclosed by adding high, lockable gates to any exits can help to keep them safe.
Add a Shaded Area
It’s not just water, tools and chemicals that pose risks in a garden. In high summer, when the sun is bright, and there are few clouds in the sky, it’s rays can be harmful. Sunburn can be particularly bad for young children with sensitive skin, and heat rash and sunstroke also pose health risks.
If you want your children to be able to safely enjoy your garden all summer, it’s a good idea to make sure that there is a shaded area, perhaps under a cover or large parasol, which can protect them without the need to bring them indoors when it’s scorching.
*Collaborative post*
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