Dear Linda:
My grandchildren, ages 6 and 8, are coming from across the
country to visit us at our lake house. It’s been decades since I’ve
child-proofed. What precautions should I take?
A Happy Grandma
Dear Grandma:
For young children, there’s nothing more exciting than a
visit with grandparents. Times of pampering and indulgence, novelty and
undivided attention, they are often the sweetest remembrances of
childhood.
To ensure that all goes well, it’s critical to take
precautions particularly by water—tubs, pools and lakes. Don’t ever
leave children unattended. If you must go, even for a moment, so should
they. Insist that children always wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life
vests not floaties, particularly on boats or along the shoreline where
they could be washed away. Always keep rescue equipment (i.e. life
preserver or shepherd’s hook) and a telephone near.
Tender skin must be protected. Slather children in sunscreen
with at least a 15 SPF several times a day, even when it’s cloudy.
Carry a bottle in the car for unexpected stops. Outfit them in brimmed
hats and sunglasses. They’ll protect, and ones bought with you become
special souvenirs.
If you take children to a playground, don’t let them wear
anything with drawstrings (scarves, necklaces, belts or backpacks), and
avoid straps, like on a helmet. Choose an age appropriate playground
with soft surfaces like wood chips and shredded rubber, preventing
falls on concrete, asphalt and even packed dirt.
Have children wear protective equipment (wrist guards, knee
and elbow pads) when skating or riding a bicycle. Helmets reduce risk
of head injury by 85% and are required by law.
Lock-up alcohol, medicine, household cleaning and garden
chemicals, matches, lighters, candles and all fire arms. Keep knives,
scissors and hot plates out of reach. Put plug guards into sockets and
around fires and heaters.
Keep a well-stocked, first aid kit and a fire extinguisher handy. Visit www.safekids.org for more tips and safely celebrate National Children’s Day.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
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