Sun’s out, wheels out! Whether your child is rolling on training wheels or racing around the neighborhood on a scooter, summer brings plenty of opportunities to play outside.
But with all that movement comes a need for smart safety habits — and maybe a little parent modeling, too.
“Getting kids outside is essential for both their physical and mental well-being,” says Nicholas George, MD, pediatrics and internal medicine physician with Our Lady of Lourdes Physician Group who practices in Scott. “Even when it’s scalding hot, we know regular outdoor play is good for kids — and for us.”
In this episode of ParentingU, Dr. George shares practical safety tips, personal stories and parenting wisdom to help your family have fun and avoid preventable injuries.
Wheels Are Wonderful
“Biking, skating, scootering — all of those things are great for building strong bones and muscles,” Dr. George says. “But they also enhance mood, reduce stress and foster social skills.”
He encourages families to make outdoor time a habit, even if it’s hot. “Go in the early mornings or when the sun’s going down. Staying hydrated and playing smart makes all the difference.”
And don’t underestimate the developmental benefits of wheel-based play.
“You’re building those muscle groups that help support balance and coordination,” he says. “That kind of gross motor development supports kids for life.”
Model What You Want to See
If you want your kids outside, you might need to get out there, too.
“One of the best things we can do as parents is model the behavior we want,” Dr. George says. “Play becomes family time. Whether it’s a neighborhood bike ride, scooter race or water balloon fight, kids remember that.”
Helmets: A Non-Negotiable
As a pediatrician — and someone who landed in the ICU as a kid after a skateboarding accident — Dr. George doesn’t mess around when it comes to helmets.
“I take helmets pretty seriously,” he says. “They’re non-negotiable whenever we’re on wheels. They significantly reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury.”
Here’s what to check for:
- The helmet fits snugly and sits level.
- It doesn’t slide around or tip back.
- The strap is secure but comfortable.
And no, kids don’t outgrow helmet use. “As they get older, they go faster, try tricks, take risks,” he said. “That puts them at even greater risk.”
Build Awareness Without Fear
It’s a delicate balance — keeping kids alert to danger without scaring them out of having fun.
Teach basic rules of the road, set visual boundaries in your yard or neighborhood, and make sure kids know what’s off-limits.
“We’ll say, ‘If you can’t see us, we can’t see you.’ Or we’ll point out a specific tree they can’t pass,” he says of parenting his own children. “When we’re visiting friends, their kids show mine where the safe zones are.”
Scrapes Happen. Know When to Worry.
“You don’t want to overly hover, but you do want to be prepared,” Dr. George says. Most minor falls can be treated with warm soapy water, Aquaphor and a bandage.
Look out for red flags which mean get to the ER:
- Head injury with vomiting, confusion or loss of consciousness
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Swelling or inability to move a limb
And if your kid ends up with a goose egg? “Most of the time, it’s just a bruise,” Dr. George explains. “It looks scary, but it’s usually not serious. And no — you don’t push it back in!”
Let Them Play — and Join the Fun
“Don’t be afraid to play with your kids,” Dr. George says. “They love it when you join in. Have the water gun fight. Do the scooter race. Make those memories.”
You’re not just modeling healthy habits. You’re showing up for your kids, and that sticks.
