Publications
KCCC
News
Summer 2008
Parents Page
Summer Fun
Article submitted by Amy Dempsey, a student of the BA in Early Childhood Studies in the Institute of Technology, Carlow. Amy recently completed a very productive professional placement
with Kildare County Childcare Committee.
Family day outs are a fantastic way to spend time with your child/children whether it be to the beach, museums, picnics or family bike rides. General safety rules apply but parents must be extra vigilant in protecting their children to ensure a memorable and safe day out. Some safety rules to follow include:
- Protect your child with sunscreen - at least SPF15 - even on cloudy days and reapply throughout the day. If children are swimming, waterproof sunscreen should be applied.
- Encourage your child to play in the shade, under trees etc and keep them out of the sun at it’s peak. Babies under 6 months should be kept completely out of the sun at all times. Dress your child in loose fitting cotton clothes and floppy hats that cover especially sensitive areas. Sunglasses can help protect your child’s eyes.
- Hours of fun in hot weather can leave your child de-hydrated so provide cool drinks such as water or fruit juice throughout the day.
- When travelling, the car should be well ventilated. Your child should never be left on their own in the car even for a few minutes. The temperature can rise dramatically in a short space of time and increase the risk of dehydration.
- Teach your child about water safety and never to enter the water without an adult present. If you are at the beach or near water, it is vital your child is always under supervision. Armbands can be used in swimming pools but can be a safety hazard at the beach.
- Always ensure your provide your children with appropriate equipment and safety gear for activities - helmets, knee pads etc.
- Ensure that gardening equipment, chemicals are stored away from children and their play areas. Be alert for bees and wasps and keep garden gates locked.
- Some common incidents on hot summer days include:
- SUNBURN - rinse a flannel cloth with cool water and wring it out. Place it gently on the affected area for 10-15 minutes
throughout the day. Give your child plenty of fluids. Seek medical advice if sunburn is more severe or is blistering. - BEE/WASP/INSECT BITES - if the sting is visible, remove it by scraping with a dull butter knife or piece of blunt plastic against the skin in the opposite direction of the stinger entry. It should pop out. To treat stings or bites, apply a cold compress or cream/gel containing local anaesthetic. Medical advice should be sought if your child has multiple stings or bites, appears to be having an allergic reaction or has been stung in the mouth or throat.
- DEHYDRATION - Severe dehydration can take the form of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, both of which need emergency attention. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include fatigue, dizziness, headache and nausea. Your child’s skin may become pale and clammy and their breathing may become faster than normal. Heat stroke causes symptoms such as red, hot, dry skin from lack of sweat, confusion and delirium. If you suspect your child is suffering from either heat exhaustion or heat stroke, get emergecy medical attention immediately.
KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED FOR DETAILS OF THE 2008 KILDARE COUNTY CHILDCARE COMMITTEE’S FAMILY FUN DAY.
DONADEA FOREST PARK
SATURDAY 28TH JUNE - 2.00 - 6.00PM
ENTRANCE, PARKING, ACTIVITIES FREE