Mom always said that it is all fun and games until somebody gets hurt. What she failed to mention is that many of the games she was buying you from the store were the culprits causing injury. Like the set of Lawn darts she bought back in the day.
Of course, lawn darts have since been taken off of the market, perhaps are even illegal in some states, but this doesn’t mean that your summer will be any safer without them. This is because even in the absence of lawn darts, there are many types of games played and sold that could pose a danger. So it is best if you do your research before plunking down your hard-earned money on a game that could hurt a family member.
You have a really nice yard and the family spends a lot of time enjoying it in the summer. WeedPro lawn care services in Atlanta does a wonderful job keeping your lawn a place where your kids love to play. Stop for a moment and think about the games you had growing up that could have hurt you.
Moon Shoes
Moon Shoes were basically tiny trampolines that were strapped to the bottom of your feet. Think about it; tiny trampolines attached to the feet of children who are uncoordinated. What could possibly go wrong?
These shoes were designed in the 1970s and were made from metal and all of the working gadgets were exposed. They got a little safer in the 1980s when they were made from plastic and had other improvements. Still, Moon Shoes were responsible for a number of visits to the emergency room.
Slip-N-Slide
The Slip-N-Slide was a dangerous game for kids for many years, and still is today. The irony is that it seems to be more dangerous for adults. Over the years, the Slip-N-Slide has been responsible for a number of neck injuries and fractures, some very serious.
There are several versions of this product still on the market today and it does look like a lot of fun. But if you do decide to set one of these up in your perfectly manicured yard, make sure to follow some safety precaution and use common sense.
Water Rockets
You would think that rockets powered by water would be a safe alternative to rockets that required actual engines and adult supervision to launch. But then, you would be wrong.
Water rockets peaked in popularity in the mid-1990s and used water pressure to fire them off. However, the rockets had a tendency to explode from too much water pressure, which resulted in pieces of sharp plastic flying in all direction and high velocity.
Also, the rockets that didn’t explode would launch in random directions, which sometimes left injuries to the face and hands. They were recalled in the late 1990s, but some still exist today.
Pogo Balls
Pogo Balls were invented in the late 1960s, but not marketed until the 1980s. Pogo Balls are basically seamless figure-8 rubber balls locked in a structurally supported plastic platform. You stand on them and bounce.
Like the Moon Boots, these aren’t the best toy to buy for clumsy kids. Common injuries from Pogo Balls include twisted ankles and scraped up knees.
Socker Boppers
Here is a novel idea; let’s encourage little kids with no sense of restraint to punch each other out repeatedly with plastic balloons that fit over your hands.
Sky Dancers
Sky Dancers were first released in the mid-1990s and were an immediate hit for girls. It seems that a doll with wings that could fly was a big hit. However, after less than six years on the market, they were recalled. The reason is that even though the wings were made from foam, the Sky Dancers still managed to injure children who played with them.
Snacktime Cabbage Patch Kid
In 1996, Snacktime Cabbage Patch Kids were released. This special doll would literally eat snacks that were inserted into its mouth. The problem is that the doll could not differentiate between snacks and finger or hair. The doll caused injuries to a lot of children and was eventually recalled.
So, while it is perfectly fine to enjoy your lawn this summer, make sure the toys you buy and the games you play won’t land you in the hospital. And call WeedPro if you desire a nicely landscaped yard.
