Each year, more than 200,000 children are injured on the playground—and that's just the number of wounds that warrant a trip to the emergency room. When you're dealing with a child who has ADHD, making sure your playground is safe is extremely important. To ensure a danger-free zone, follow these guidelines from the National Program for Playground Safety.
Supervise your child. Watch for potential hazards and intervene when necessary.
Dress your child appropriately. No drawstrings, no jewelry. They can catch on equipment and lead to serious injuries.
Opt for age-appropriate equipment. Playground equipment falls into two age categories. The little kids' equipment is for children between ages 2 and 5, and the big kids' equipment is for ages 5 and up. Make sure your child plays on the equipment that's right for him.
See whether fall surfaces are cushioned. Almost 70% of playground injuries occur due to falls. Make sure surfaces around swings, slides, and seesaws are soft. Fall-friendly surfaces include wood chips, pea gravel, sand, and rubber mats.
Conduct your own equipment inspection. Make sure equipment is anchored into the ground, S-hooks on the swings are closed, and chains aren't rusted.
If your playground isn't up to par, call the attendants (the town, a school) and show how it violates the safety code. A worthwhile playground will make things right.
For more information on playground safety, contact the National Program for Playground Safety at 800-554-PLAY, or visit Uni.edu.