Your number one job as a parent is keeping your child safe and secure. However, injury prevention is often easier said than done, especially for busy households. Fortunately, you can greatly reduce your child’s chance of experiencing serious injury by taking the following smart steps:
Bicycle helmets can prevent your child from experiencing a traumatic brain injury should they crash while riding their bike. Keep in mind that even minor accidents can cause serious health problems if your child is not wearing a helmet. Parents must insist on helmets at all times, and make sure you also wear a helmet when riding a bike with your child.
Cleaning chemicals, medicines, sharp objects, and other potentially hazardous items must be kept out of reach of children. Additionally, you might want to consider locking up or removing items from the home as your child grows older. Even if you are relatively sure that your child will not access hazardous items, it is simply not worth the risk.
Parents should also think about the safety of their children away from home. If your child plays sports, open lines of communication with their coach to inquire about safety practices, first aid, and other important topics. You can have a similar discussion with your child’s physical education teacher. And if you are not happy with your child’s safety at school, be sure to raise your concerns with the principal or administrator.
Safety alarms in the home should be tested on a monthly basis, while batteries should be replaced once per year (but consult the alarm’s user guide to be sure). Additionally, most alarms should be replaced every ten years to ensure proper function. These devices can save your life in the event of a home catastrophe, so their maintenance must be taken seriously.