Q.-A. ON PRE-SCHOOL SAFETY
Q. Which dangers should I be aware of now my child is getting older?
A. You need to know that your child is becoming more independent and capable but still has a limited sense of danger. He may even think he is immortal and invincible, like a cartoon character. Ensure windows and doors are safe, keep poisonous substances locked away, and teach him basic road-safety awareness.
Q. How can I teach my child about safety?
A. When you’re doing things with him in the kitchen or the garden, give him a running commentary. For example, suppose you are in the kitchen making a cake. In that case, you can positively tell him about the importance of being careful with kitchen utensils and hot ovens and show him that you are practising these precautions. Conversely, if he sees you put a knife into your mouth to lick it, don’t be surprised if he copies you.
Q. How can I keep my child safe and still let him be independent?
A. You can’t always protect your child, but you can reduce risks and avoid exposing him to unnecessary hazards. Let him become more independent in controlled circumstances. For instance, a child can learn to handle small tools such as a screwdriver or hammer under close supervision. Teach him good safety habits and explain why the safety rules are important so he can apply the guidelines in other situations.
Q. What should I tell my child about talking to strangers?
A. Avoid scare tactics—your child must learn safety without fear. Explain to him that not all strange is bad, but that he should not talk to strangers or accept anything from a stranger. If someone is simply returning something that belongs to the child, he should get no closer than an arm’s length away. Tell your child that he must never go anywhere with a stranger. This is especially important if your child always does as you say. Overall, it is perfectly safe for him to talk to grown-ups he knows well.
Q. How can I protect my child against sexual abuse?
A. As well as never going anywhere with a stranger, tell your child not to keep a secret, especially if someone asks him to. If someone says or does something in a way he doesn’t like, he should tell the person to stop and then tell you. No stranger should touch his body, especially not his private parts (if he asks, these are the parts covered by a swimsuit) – with obvious exceptions, like visiting the doctor.
Q. My son plays rough games with his friends. How can I keep him safe?
A. Little boys enjoy very physical forms of play but don’t always have much common sense. Make sure they don’t play with dangerous objects, such as pieces of metal or sharp sticks and supervise their play for your child’s sake and that of his friends. If it gets too rough, break it up at intervals for a snack or a drink before the situation gets totally out of hand.
Q. Should I take anything with me when I’m out with my child?
A. Yes, but how much depends on how long you will be out. you may even need food and drink (snacks, a meal, or both) and something to entertain him with. Tie a toy, using a short ribbon no longer than 20 cm (8 in), onto his buggy or car seat so that he can’t lose it—or throw it at you while driving. A potty (or change of nappy) is also a good idea. Take his changing bag, filled with basic essentials. If he suffers from motion sickness, you’ll need a plastic bag, some paper towels and a change of clothes.
Q. Where can I change my baby’s nappy when we are out on a trip?
A. Most departmental stores, supermarkets and motorway service stations provide nappy-changing facilities. Unfortunately, these are usually in the ladies changing room, although some places have a family room that is more convenient for fathers. Otherwise, use the luggage shelf of the car or the car seats if out in the car. If you are desperate, find a quiet spot in a park.
Q. How can I feed my baby when we are out and about?
A. You can stop and feed your baby almost anywhere if it is hygienic. Depending on the weather, you can breastfeed, bottle-feed or give solid food on a park bench. You only need his food, a spoon, a bib and paper towels to mop up spills. Take a couple of plastic bags with you for used items. Most restaurants will happily heat baby food for you, and many have high chairs. Alternatively, you can restrain your baby by securing a harness to an ordinary chair—add a booster seat, and you have a high chair.
Q. How can I keep my baby contented on long journeys?
A. Make sure your baby is fed and changed before you start the journey. He will fall asleep in the car with luck, and soothing music may help. Failing that, provide a toy or two in case he doesn’t sleep. Most babies are happy with a string of beads stretched across the baby seat, a small soft toy, or a board book. If the toy is attached to the car seat, you won’t have to keep picking it up.