You have most probably seen all the studies that urge parents to encourage their kids to be active outside the home and away from their computers and smartphones. It’s not always an easy task however, particularly when your yard isn’t kid-friendly. So to get started on making your garden into a child’s paradise, here are five safety tips for making your yard safe for kids.
1.Check your boundary fences
If you want your kids to run free in your yard, then they need a secure fence to keep them safely in your yard. Even if your home is on a couple of acres, you can still fence an area around the house to keep your kids safely within shouting distance.
2.Secure and fence the pool
It doesn’t matter where you live in Australia, you now need to have a compliant pool fence to kid your kids safe. Rules are slightly different between the states and territories, but a quick Google search will bring up all the pertinent facts.
3.Remove all toxic or dangerous plants
Plants can be toxic to kids, so make sure that you remove these plants from your yard. This also includes plants that can injure your kids, because of thorns or spiky leaves. Oleanders, nettles, deadly nightshade, black bean, cacti, cycads and the strychnine tree should either be removed or fenced.
4.Use non-toxic child and pet friendly chemicals
Fertilisers, bug sprays and weed controls can all be toxic to kids. So make sure you only use non-toxic varieties and keep them locked safely away in a shed. If you need to use toxic chemicals however, keep the kids away from the area for as long as possible.
5.Lock away all garden tools & power tools
Kids are too inquisitive for their own good and if they see tools lying around they are more than likely to start investigating. Take all temptation away by locking up your gardening tools and power tools, so little fingers don’t get itchy!