C ds

For the swings, slides
and jungle gyms young
children love, parents
need to instill outdoor
safety habits.

BY JEAN SCHAPPET

ommy, did you see
me? I am a jet! I flew
up to the slide, and
soared down the
fastest! I even used my landing gear!
Aren't you so proud of me?"
When preschoolers play, the last
thing they are concerned with is their
own safety. As parents, we hope to
instill in them some good play habits
that will protect them when their
imagination is in control of their
activities.
Giving young children a laundry list
of "don't"s is probably the least effec-
tive way to present outdoor play safe-
ty. If your children are under five
years old, always tell them, show
them, then tell them again. Providing
your children with on-site supervision
is the surest way to prevent an injury.

Swings

14'

64

HOME

sZt..6,11t)

Teach your children not to walk too
close to swings. To alert them to
the danger and "impress" it on their
memories, tell them they will get
pushed down by the person in the
swing if they walk too close. Tell them
it doesn't make any difference if they
are in front or behind the swinger.
Some young children have a percep-
tion problem when the swinger's
back is to them. Show the child by
having an older child swing while you