Now that winter is firmly with us, the cold temperatures mean the inevitable ice and snow that most of us adults dread. Children however have a totally different perspective on the winter months and the arrival of ice and snow is seen as a blessing and a time for fun.
Whilst we can all relate to a child's excitement when it comes snow or a well iced and polished foot slide, children often don't consider the dangers that they face during this time of year.
Every year children are injured whilst sledding, sliding or accidentally falling and slipping.
Importantly, ensure that you child is aware of the danger posed by cars at this time of year that may not be able to stop as quickly in these slippery conditions as they may normally be and as such pay extra special care in crossing roads and take extra precautions in using crosswalks ahead of approaching traffic.
Simple slips can occur so advise children to keep an eye out for slippery ice patches and generally slow down when they know ice is about on the playground or on the sidewalk on their way to school.
When sledding warn your child of dangers such as the proximity of obstacles such as fences, pathways, etc and also to be aware of the dangers of building large sledding ramps and be caution of others on the hill to avoid impacting them and causing injury.
This time of the year however can be a great deal of fun for both children and parent's when playing in the snow so I guess the best price of advice we can give is - go and enjoy, spring is just around the corner.
Vital ID


