Monsoon Mornings Can Be Risky For Kids, 7 Tips To Keep Them Safe On The Way To School

As soon as the skies turn grey and the first drops hit the ground, children across India get ready for splashes, fun... and sometimes, unexpected monsoon hazards. While umbrellas and raincoats may protect them from getting drenched, monsoon mornings pose serious risks for school-going kids-from slippery roads and waterborne diseases to malfunctioning transport and electrical hazards.

And let's face it-most kids are more excited about jumping into puddles than watching out for open manholes. As parents and guardians, it's time to level up your monsoon parenting game and ensure that those school runs don't turn into rainy day disasters.

Photo Credit: AI Generated Image

Here are 7 practical and parent-approved ways to keep your child safe during school commutes this monsoon.

1. Choose The Right Footwear-Slippers Are A Slippery Slope

It may seem like a small detail, but bad footwear is a major culprit in monsoon accidents. Slippers and flip-flops are convenient, but they have zero grip and can cause nasty falls. Instead, opt for rubber-soled shoes or waterproof sandals with proper traction.

Kids love to run-even in the rain. You don't want that turning into a twisted ankle situation.

2. Bright-Coloured Rain Gear Can Be Life-Saving

Dark raincoats and umbrellas might look cool, but during low-visibility rainy mornings, drivers can't always spot them. Bright colours like yellow, neon green, or orange are easier to see and can prevent accidents on crowded roads.

Add reflective strips if your child walks to school or crosses busy lanes. It's fashion plus function.

3. Keep A Spare Set Of Clothes In Their Bag

Sounds unnecessary? Not when your child gets caught in a sudden downpour or slips into a puddle deep enough to qualify as a swimming pool.
Wearing damp clothes for hours can lead to chills, fungal infections, and discomfort. Always pack a dry T-shirt, undergarments, and a small towel in a zip-lock pouch. You'll thank yourself later.

Photo Credit: AI Generated Image

4. Teach Them To Avoid Wading Through Water

Yes, puddles are tempting. But stagnant water in monsoon isn't just rain-it's a party mix of bacteria, sewage overflow, and even electric current hazards from underground wiring.

Explain to your child that what looks like fun could also cause skin infections, fevers, or worse. If unavoidable, make sure they wear protective footwear and wash thoroughly once home.

5. Sanitize Hands After The Commute, Every Time

Public transport, wet school gates, shared umbrellas-everything kids touch during monsoon is a potential germ hotspot. And since children tend to touch their faces constantly, this increases the risk of viral and bacterial infections.

Keep a pocket sanitizer in their school bag and remind them to use it before eating, after the ride, and whenever they feel icky.

6. Check On The School Bus Or Auto Route In Advance

Incessant rains often lead to road blockages, flooded areas, and even traffic jams that delay school transport. Some routes become dangerous overnight.

Stay in touch with the driver, monitor news about the route, and don't hesitate to keep your child home if you sense risk. Better one day absent than one accident too many.

7. Pack Light, Pack Smart

A heavy school bag paired with slippery roads and drenched uniforms? That's a backache and a bad mood waiting to happen.

Opt for a waterproof backpack. Use folders or zip-locks for notebooks, and skip unnecessary items. Your child's balance and mobility matter more than that extra craft book.

It's Not Paranoia, It's Preparation

It's easy to brush off monsoon issues as minor inconveniences, but for children, a wet shoe or a missed step can spiral into something bigger. Take a few extra minutes in the morning to go over your child's safety checklist, even if it means a little nagging.

Because in the monsoon season, being extra careful isn't overprotective-it's smart.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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