Having children at home is a blessing that carries on your legacy. They bring happiness and laughter, but with that, they also come with a lot of responsibility. Children are very curious by nature and love exploring new things. While it is a good quality, it can sometimes lead to unfortunate accidents.
So it is important to install baby gates and other safety measures at home. Let’s review some safety tips that you should teach your kids.
1. Don’t Play With Fire
This is a no-brainer. You should always keep an eye on your kids when they are near any kind of fire, be it a campfire, bonfire, or even candles. Children should never be left unattended near any kind of open flame.
Make sure matches and lighters are out of their reach. If you have a fireplace, install a screen around it to prevent any accidents. You should also teach your kids about the dangers of fire and what to do if they see one.
2. Use The Stairs Safely
Teach your kids to always use the handrail when going up or down the stairs. If they are too young to understand this, then make sure they are supervised whenever they use the stairs. They may be tempted to slide down the banister, but that is a recipe for disaster.
Tell them to never leave any toys on the stairs. They could trip over them and fall, which could lead to serious injuries.
3. Keep Sharp Objects Out Of Reach
Knives, scissors, and other sharp objects should be kept out of reach of children. If they are old enough to use them, then make sure they are supervised. When children begin cutting things, make sure you give them child-safe scissors and knives. Once they are old enough, demonstrate the proper way to hand someone a knife.
4. Be Careful With Hot Drinks
Hot drinks like coffee and tea can cause serious burns. Children should never be left unattended with hot drinks. If they are old enough to drink hot beverages, then teach them to be careful and use a coaster. Don’t fill a hot drink to the brim and explain to them why it’s important to be careful.
5. Don’t Play With Electric Sockets
Electric sockets are very dangerous. Children should never put anything into an electric socket, not even their fingers. If you have small children at home, then you should childproof the sockets.
There are special covers that you can buy which will prevent children from accessing the sockets.
6. Don’t Run In The House
This is a common rule in many households. Children should be taught to walk, not run, inside the house. Running can lead to accidents, like falling and hitting your head. Tell them to save running for outside.
7. Be Careful With Glass
Glass can be very dangerous, especially for small children. They could easily break a glass and hurt themselves. If you have glass tables or decorations in your home, make sure they are out of reach of children.
8. Never Go Outside Without Permission
Children should never go outside without permission. If they want to go out and play, make sure someone is with them. Make sure they know to always ask before leaving the house.
9. Don’t Open The Door To Strangers
Opening the door to strangers is a safety hazard. Children should be taught not to open the door to anyone they don’t know. If someone comes to the door, they should know to ask who it is before opening it or get an adult first.
10. Be Careful With Pets
Pets can be dangerous, even if they are friendly. Children should be taught to be careful around pets. They should never pull on a dog’s tail or ears and should never try to ride them.
Teach them to always ask before petting a dog, even if they know the owner.
If your pet has had babies, the children should understand to respect the mother and not try to touch them. Cats are especially protective of their young and can scratch or bite if they feel threatened.
11. Never Swim Alone
Swimming is a great way to have fun, but it can also be dangerous. So if you have a swimming pool, make sure children are never left unattended. They should know to not go into the pool if an adult is not around.
12. Don’t Hide Behind a Car In the Driveway
Hiding behind a car is a common safety hazard for children. They may think it’s fun to hide behind a car in the driveway, but it’s very dangerous. Due to the driver’s blind spot, they could get hit by the car if it starts to move.
Keep Your Home Safe For Your Kids
In conclusion, you can never teach your kids too much safety. Your home is your sanctuary, but it is also a place with hazards for little ones still trying to understand the world. By teaching your children about home safety, you can help prevent accidents.