THE HOME IS A DANGEROUS PLACE

An increasing number of accidents in the home involving babies and young children have been reported in the press. The home is supposed to be a safe place for young children but statistics have shown that this is not so. As prevention is better than cure, parents have a duty to take measures to prevent accidents from happening in the home.

Children At Play
A playpen is very useful as it keeps a child safe. As the child grows older, he or she needs a bigger area to move about. Therefore, it would be advisable to have a play room for him. Simple toys and playthings are the best for young children; they are less easily broken and are available in more varieties. Painted, brittle plastic toys and sharp objects, or things that break easily or can be pulled to bits are dangerous. So are small items such as the eyes of a teddy bear and bits and pieces of toys which can be swallowed. These are things that should be avoided.

Children In The House
The kitchen is a dangerous place for young children. A small gate should be built to bar the child from getting into the kitchen. Kettles, bottles, sharp knives and plates should be placed out of reach of the child. Overhanging table cloths are a danger to an inquisitive child who may pull it down. Plastic bags should not be available to a child who may use it to cover his or her head. Loose carpets over staircases and unstable chairs also pose dangers to a child. A knitting needle by itself may not be dangerous but it may be fatal when used by a child to poke into an electric socket.

Children In The Garden
The garden is a place where young children may roam about and explore nature but it can also be a dangerous place if care is not taken to keep gardening tools out of their reach. While playing in the garden, it is best for young children to be under supervision. The gate should be locked so that children cannot wander out of the house and onto the road. Care should be taken when driving in and out of the driveway especially with young children around.

Accidents can and do happen, but it is up to parents to make sure that the home is a place where children can grow up safely.