Unfortunately, the world is full of potential hazards to which curious and inexperienced children fall victim. As a nervous and protective mom, you likely want to keep your child safe at all times. While constant protection is not possible, you can reduce the likelihood that your child suffers a serious injury by educating yourself and him on the hazards that he must face while navigating the world in which he lives.
Hazard-Related Education
While you would likely love to wrap your child in bubble wrap to protect him from all the hazards he faces, this practice is not possible. The best thing you can do to keep your child safe from hazards is to educate him on the dangers he faces. By arming him with knowledge, you can enable him to avoid these dangers and stay safe wherever he may be.
In-Home Dangers
Many common household objects can pose a threat to your child’s safety. Reduce the likelihood that your child is injured in your home by carefully covering all electrical outlets and installing child gates. Keep potentially hazardous chemicals out of your children’s reach. Maintain your household alarm system. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly to ensure they are in good working order. Even though you likely do much to reduce the number of hazards present in your home, dangers still remain. It is important to remember that childproofing, no matter how carefully done, is no replacement for proper supervision. Even when your child is in the safety of your home, you should always keep one eye on him to ensure that he doesn’t happen upon a hazard that you had not anticipated.
Outdoor Hazards
Because you have less control over the environment outside your home, anything outside the home could be even more serious dangers to kids. Teach your child how to navigate these dangers by showing her how to cross the road properly. Educate her on the dangers presented by strangers and teach her what types of places, such as construction zones, should be avoided at all costs. Tell your child that, whenever he is in doubt, he should consult an adult.
Playground Dangers
While intended to be a safe place ideal for play, playgrounds are also hazardous sites. Children are often injured due to falls. Encourage your child to exercise extreme caution whenever she is off the ground, engaged in play, to prevent these injuries. Also, remind your kid not to push and shove. These behaviors are not acceptable and could also lead to injury. Before letting your kid play on a playground, check the equipment to ensure that it appears to be well-maintained. If the playground appears unkempt or the equipment in need of repair, find a different place to play.
Accident Response Training
Regardless of how cautious your well-trained children may be in hazard prevention practices, accidents will still happen. Prepare your child to respond to these unexpected injuries by training him in accident-response practices. Teach your kid how to call 911, find an adult for help and put pressure on a bleeding wound. These simple things may make a big difference when your child or one of his friends faces a hazard.
