CHILDPROOFING THE HOME

I would like to start by giving a brief biography! God blessed us with 5 daughters and now we are proud grandparents of 9. It is said that bragging is not good but today I want to brag! Why? None of our children as toddlers sustained significant injuries in the home. That having been said, Paul in one of the Epistles says that; “...by the Grace of God, I am what I am…” I will take this opportunity to pass my gratitude to everyone who assisted us to parent our children. Above all, thanks be to God almighty who enables us to do all things through Him.

While we can assume that the home is the safest place to be for anyone, it is not so all the time, especially for children. I have come across various injuries, burns, fractures, swallowed objects and the like all having occurred at home. This means that at any given time, the home should have some kind of childproofing especially for the 3-year-olds and below. Let’s go over the suggestions below.

1. Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs to prevent falls.

2. Install cabinet and drawer locks to keep young children away from sharp objects and hazardous materials.

3. Install window guards to prevent falls from windows.

4. Move furniture away from windows and balconies to prevent falls.

5. Place corner and edge bumpers on furniture to prevent injury from sharp corners.

6. Install outlet covers to prevent electrical shocks.

7. Install doorknob covers to prevent toddlers from opening doors.

8. Place safety latches on toilets and lower the water level in the tank.

9. Check toys for small parts that can be a choking hazard.

10. Move cleaning supplies and other hazardous materials out of reach.

11. When cooking, keep the pot handles away from the reach of children.

12. Be extra careful with hot water in the kitchen or in the bathroom.

13. If you have a swimming pool, it should be kept locked with a safety net also.

14. Yes you like those precious breakable ornaments in your lounge, for now please put them away joyfully.

I trust that someone will benefit from these tips. Happy and healthy parenting from yours truly; Rhoda Mafukidze, Author of 31 Secrets to a Failproof Marriage. +263773541458