As your child grows, they will learn about judging danger and making safe decisions. They will become more independent; however, they will need guidance and care from you. Children like to push boundaries and test their abilities. As a result they may suffer injury through excitement, showing off, disobedience or forgetfulness.
You can help your child learn about safety by:
- Showing a good example
- Explaining why some behaviour is dangerous
- Talking about safety issues as they grow
- Demonstrating how your child can deal with dangerous situations
- Giving your child a chance to try out new skills, under supervision
- Encouraging good behaviour while gently correcting unsafe behaviour
- Collaborating with youth groups that teach children about safety
TIPS – Children should be discouraged from playing on stairs and should use the banister while using the stairs.
Teach your child about the dangers of playing with windows and fit locks on all windows.
Avoid allowing your child to play in derelict sites or buildings while choosing to bring them to well designed, stimulating playgrounds. Beware of bouncing castles and trampolines- ensure that your child has adequate space while playing on these, particularly when there are older or heavier children around.
Fit child door safety finger guards (also known as “finger-pinch protection devices”) to the doors in your home as finger trapping injuries are common in children and can often result in partial amputation of the finger.
When travelling in a car, children under 150cms in height, weigh less than 36kgs or are under 11 years of age, must use the correct child seat or booster cushion.
Other TIPS on posture when watching television, at school, playing computer games or using school bags, click on Back Care for Children from www.iscp.ie
And TIPS on choking, poisoning, strangulation, cuts, burns, fires, crossing the road and swimming can be available from Irish Health