Summer Safety Tips

Summer is approaching and the kids are going to want to do a lot of stuff to keep busy. There are many activities that will keep the kids busy. There are arts and crafts activities. Going to the library to enhance their reading skills. You can go to a pool, there is a fun filled day of staying cool. For many parents of a child with autism these activities can become our worse nightmare. Especially taking our kids swimming. Many kids with autism love water. They love it so much that we have to keep a very close eye so they dont wonder off. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and fun summer.
1. If you have a child who wanders check out www.projectlifesaver.com and call your local police department for more information and apply. It can save your childs life. Its a GPS device that can locate your child if they wander off. It may be free to you through your local police department.
2.Always make sure you have everything you need to go swimming before you leave the house.
3. Put a life jacket on your child even if you are at a lake or beach and they are only going to sit right on the sand at the water. Kids are quick and can run into the open water with a blink of an eye.
4. Always accompany your child in the water and keep a very close eye on them.
5. Never leave your child alone in the water not even with a sibling. Kids don't listen to their siblings. ( I know I didn't).
6. Take your child out of the water with you if you need to use the restroom or for whatever reason you need to leave the water.
7. Keep your child entertained. Bring a ball, shovel and bucket, coloring book and crayons. Or whatever you think will keep them entertained in case of a meltdown.
8. Explain to your other children how they can help out and make it comfortable and fun for their sibling. ( if they are old enough to understand).
9. Have a great lunch together. Enjoy and laugh together.
10. Have a fun, relaxing, memorable day with your family. Some days may not be perfect and go as planned but there is always tomorrow!!