Baby proofing is the big safety buzzword for new parents, but what comes next? Few parenting books talk about safety for toddlers, teenagers, and everything in between. It doesn’t matter if this is your first child, or if you have several kids of various ages – keeping your home safe for them is vital.
These safety tips are just suggestions as you know your own kids best. Be consistent – if you start reinforcing these rules now, it will be easier as your kids get older.
TVs, Cell Phones, Computers and Other Devices
Where babies are concerned, plugs and falling hazards are the focus. Toddlers and children love to explore electronic devices, and you need to make sure you set specific boundaries. Some families have rules that children can’t use any electronic device without permission – including the TV, family computer, iPad, video games, and cell phones. Regardless of how often children uses these things, asking permission allows parents to keep tabs on screen time, and gives children the opportunity to earn trust.
You also need to protect children online. Many families require children to share email and social media passwords with parents until they are old enough to be trusted without supervision. It is important for parents to check emails and messages because children do not have the experience to avoid scams and dishonest people. Cyber bullying is also a big problem, and parents should be aware if it is happening to their children.
Kitchen Safety
Kitchens can be dangerous, but parents have to teach kids how to use cook and use kitchen appliances safely. Toddlers love to mix ingredients, and 9- or 10-year-olds can start cooking simple things, like eggs or pancakes. Fire is hot and knives are sharp, but with the proper supervision, children can learn to develop safe cooking and nutrition skills. Accidents happen in the kitchen all the time, and teaching children how to deal with cuts and minor burns is an important experience.
Cleaning Products
All cleaning products need to be kept out of reach of small children, but you should start to teach your children cleaning safety at an early age. Two- and three- year olds can use clean wet sponges to “help clean. Four- and five-year-olds can learn to use spray bottles safely and only with supervision. They can wear gloves and wash their hands after using cleaning chemicals.
Outdoor Activities
Babies and infants safety outdoors means keeping them out of the sun, and not leaving them unattended. Once your children begin walking, climbing, and riding bikes, make sure they wear protective gear. The bicycle helmet is the most important item you can buy in order to prevent head injuries. Make it a rule that anyone riding a bike, scooter, in-line skates, or skateboard wears at least a helmet. Have extra helmets in your home so your child’s friends have helmets as well. Let your kids decorate their helmets any way they like, as long as they wear them. Most importantly, lead by example, and wear a helmet yourself.
Safety with older children is not only about avoiding accidents. It is about teaching children to have respect for the unsafe world, teaching them how to use real things carefully. Supervising adults play an important role in guiding children so they can become safe, responsible adults. You can find more safety tips
here, and most of all use common sense and consistency as your guide.
About the author: Adina Berzofsky is a blogger forLifeShield Home Security, loves cleaning her home, and cooking with her children. She often writes about safety, security and parenting topics.
