Summer Safety Tips for Kids and Parents

Brush up on tick prevention

Did you know that ticks are most active in late spring and early summer (and again in October and November)? During that time, kids are most likely to come into contact with them while playing in or around wooded areas, in tall grass, and around lawn cuttings or leaf piles. Putting your child in protective light-colored clothing and performing regular tick checks are just some of the ways to stay safe.

How to perform a tick check >

Take water safety seriously

Constant supervision is key when it comes to keeping kids out of harm’s way while enjoying summer’s many beach trips and pool parties. Putting your phone down, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding distracting activities while your children are in or near the water can greatly reduce the risk of an accident or emergency. For pool owners, tall fences and self-latching gates are also critical.

Must-know water safety tips for parents >

Know the best ways to keep kids hydrated

Interestingly, kids get dehydrated more quickly than adults because they lose more water through the skin when they sweat. To keep them chugging during warm-weather months, consider ways to get creative with water. And don’t forget about serving up water-rich foods that’ll add to their total intake.

Creative ways to stay hydrated >

Keep an eye out for signs of swimmer’s ear

Swimmer’s ear is an infection caused by water getting trapped in the ear canal–especially lake, pond, or ocean water. And, despite its name, it can happen to anyone from swimming, bathing, showering, or even just spending time in a humid environment. Pain and itching are some of the telltale signs of this outer ear infection, and a trip to the pediatrician or ENT’s office is the right next step if you notice symptoms.

How to treat swimmer’s ear >

Learn how to prevent playground injuries

Each year, about 200,000 children in the U.S. visit an emergency room for playground injuries–usually fractures, bruises, and scrapes from falls. Supervision is an important element of playground safety, but ensuring the area is clear of rocks, sticks, or other dangerous objects, and making sure kids’ clothing is free of drawstrings and cords that can get caught on equipment are important parts of avoiding injury.

Tips to keep kids safe on playscapes >

Help teenagers stay motivated when school’s not in session

Health and mental health go hand-in-hand with safety. And helping teens stay motivated and inspired during the summer months can go a long way when it comes to their well-being. Empowering your teen to set a specific goal for the summer–whether it’s learning a new skill or reading a certain number of books–is just one way experts recommend helping kids avoid restlessness.

Ideas for keeping teens inspired >

Schedule an appointment

If you do find yourself in need of a pediatrician or specialist this summer, you can schedule a virtual video visit with an expert at Connecticut Children’s or book an in-person appointment at the location closest to home. And for helpful health advice throughout your parenting journey, sign-up for Connecticut Childrens’ newsletter.

For more timely health and safety tips, visit Connecticut Children's Growing Healthy Blog. Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut 100% dedicated to kids. That means high-quality care across more than 30 pediatric specialties in 40+ locations throughout Connecticut, Eastern New York and Western Massachusetts. One team on a mission to improve access to healthcare from before birth and into adulthood. One team pushing the limits with breakthrough research and community partnerships so we can help you focus on what matters most: your family’s wellness journey. When you choose Connecticut Children’s, you can expect care Beyond Imagination.

The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.