Fortunately, every single one of these hazards can be prevented. Making the home a safe space for children is a duty that continues until your ward is able to protect themselves from these accidents. Parents and guardians need to constantly play their role in safeguarding their wards at home, and here are some key steps you can take.
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Parents should learn to practice bathroom safety, and more importantly educate their wards on its importance. Strict ground rules should be laid for children’s activities in and around the bathroom. Since slips in bathtubs and wet floors are a common source of injuries, parents should seek to use rubber mats inside bathtubs to reduce the risk of slipping and falling. Also advise your ward to desist from running in and around the bathroom. Ensure you constantly dry up your bathroom floors, and also dry up your child’s feet after their showers.
During your child’s formative years, try to avoid keeping large storages of water in areas they have access to. It would amaze you to know how huge a problem even a small body of water could pose to toddlers. Constantly keep your eye on the lookout for drowning hazards. If for any reason you absolutely have to store water in large bowls and buckets, ensure it is kept in areas in your home that are out of the reach of children.
To reduce the risk of cuts and bruises, sharp and pointy objects such as knives, scissors, screwdrivers, etc, should be placed out of the sight of children. Also set a standard on the kinds of toys you purchase for your ward. Any toys or items that pose the risk of injuries to your ward should be completely avoided. Encourage your ward to always remove all their toys from their playground as soon as they are done with them.
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To prevent the risk of electric shocks, parents and guardians must also learn to properly manage their electric cables and sockets. Ensure your extensions and cables are neatly set up and not tangled together. Also ensure you switch off power sources when not in use as often as possible.
Chemicals and medicines should always be locked away from the reach of children. It’s a common habit of children, most especially toddlers, to put almost anything they find in their mouths. To guard against this, lock away inedible chemicals and medicines, and not just on top high shelves or cabinets, but anywhere children have access to.
As a parent or guardian, the utmost safety of your ward is your responsibility and should be your utmost priority. Be intentional about protecting your child from potential hazards.
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