Wouldn’t it be nice if you could place your child in a plastic bubble that would protect them from every danger or threat until they’re an adult? Unfortunately, keeping your kids safe is not that easy, and when you have multiples of varying ages, it gets even harder. From electrical outlets and exposed staircases to social media use and home invasions, there are a lot of things that are unsafe for your children both inside and outside of the home. Fortunately, there are things you can do to minimize the risks and keep your kids safe at all times.
Keeping Kids Safe in the Home
It’s a common assumption that the home is one of the safest places to be. Though it is safer than most, there are safety aspects that need to be considered.
Babyproofing – For those who have infants, one of the first courses of action to safeguard the home is to babyproof the house. This is the process of going around the entire home and locking, blocking, and securing things that could cause harm to a curious baby on the go. This includes locking medicine and kitchen cabinets, covering outlets, and installing gates at the top of staircases to prevent baby from falling.
Home security – Home security systems are a must to keep your home safe. While most might look at them as nothing more than alarms when burglaries happen, home security systems such as ADT monitoring are ideal for parents of children who spend time at home alone. With smart features like cameras and smartphone access, parents can observe teenagers and any company they might have in the home to ensure they’re safe and sound.
Pool Safety – For families who have a pool in the backyard, certain measures must be taken to ensure the kids have fun while being safe. Teaching pool rules such as no running and diving along with installing security features like a safety gate to ensure kids don’t try to enter the pool without your permission are all ways to make sure they’re safe and sound.
Internet Safety – Technology is not only for adults. Children use the internet all the time unaware of the many dangers that lurk there. Talk with your children about the use of internet. Discuss the importance of not disclosing personal information, not accessing inappropriate sites, and set rules as to when internet usage is allowed. Other measures include setting parental controls on devices and monitoring your child’s usage for any red flags.
Keeping Kids Safe Outside of the Home
The world around us is a lot more dangerous than the home. Here are some ways to keep your kids safe outside the home.
Stranger Danger – It’s extremely important to teach your children about strangers and steering clear of them. Give your children safety rules such as staying with an adult they know, sticking to a buddy system, not accepting gifts or bribes, and to know when and how to call for help.
Peer Pressure – When your child becomes a teenager peer pressure will become a huge part of their lives as they try to fit in with their friends. It is important to have a talk with your teen about being pressured into doing things they know are wrong. Try to encourage them to hang with likeminded friends and also set rules and curfews.
Travel Safety – Traveling with kids can be fun but it can also height security risks. Before a trip talk with your kids about being safe. Discuss things like staying close to mom and dad and where to turn if they get lost. Investing in ID bracelets or cards as well as installing location apps on your older children’s phones will also help in the event of an emergency.
There is a lot in this world to protect your children from. While you may not be able to shield them from everything that happens in their life, you can set the foundation that will minimize their chances of being injured or harmed in any way. Talk with your children frequently about the importance of being safe in an age appropriate way. Set firm rules and consequences as well as put some of the safeguards discussed above into place and you should have a much easier time sleeping at night knowing they’re all safe.