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By
Catherine M. Pruissen
Babies,
toddlers and older children all have a way of flinging
their bodies off high places when you're not there
to catch them. This distance to the ground is greater
then with trips and slips, and the result can be serious.
If
there is something to be climbed on, you can bet a
child will find it: Reaching for attractive items,
chairs used improperly, climbing or sitting on tables
and shelves, piling up blocks or other toys, and falling
down stairs. Take precautions by asking yourself if
there is anything to excite a small mind to go up
where it should not go? Sometimes if pays to
do as the Friendly Giant says, "Look up.
Look way up!"
High
chairs and change tables present other concerns.
Safety straps are must, but even then you must pay
close attention. Never assume a little
one cannot wiggle free.
More
High Dives
Inside
or outside, play equipment brings a whole new world
of fun and potential hazards.
Swings,
teeter-totter, slides, monkey bars and Mary-go-rounds
all provide ways of getting children off the ground.
Not surprisingly, they sometimes manage to come crashing
back to earth.
High
dives here occur when a child looses a grip, uses
equipment improperly, does not having the needed skills
for the equipment being used, pushing and shoving,
or just not being strong enough to hold on any longer.
Climbing
equipment is a common source of high falls.
Caregivers and parents should always spot children
when this type of equipment is in use.
At
times when outdoor or indoor play equipment is in
use, staff can be distracted by the need to relax
or chat for a minute while the children are busy.
Sorry, this is a time for extra care!
You can't afford to take your eyes off the children,
or to be anywhere other than right beside the activity.
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