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Try to monitor the spaces he plays in and teach basic safety rules
My 2-year-old son is very curious and he always wants to explore and touch things in our house. How can I make sure he doesn’t hurt himself?
This is an exciting time for your preschooler as he is becoming more coordinated and independent. But he also needs supervision and help from adults to avoid serious risks to his health and safety. Although your child is capable of learning basic rules, he won’t always remember them, especially when he is excited or distracted. And preschoolers cannot always control themselves when they are told not to do something; they have difficulty recognizing when something poses a risk to them.
Helping your preschooler stay safe involves talking to him, setting rules and creating an environment where he can explore and play safely. Here are some basics to keep in mind:
Be prepared for new skills: Your child’s risk of injury depends, in part, on his physical development, thinking and memory. For example, does he enjoy climbing? Can he pull a chair over to a counter or stove? Can he open the door by himself to go outside or into the bathroom? Think ahead and prepare before a situation becomes dangerous.
Actively supervise: Always be aware of where your child is and what he is doing.
Monitor the spaces where your child lives and plays: Look at your living spaces from your child’s perspective. What aspects of your home might pose a risk to your child? Take the necessary steps to make him safer:
- Keep all cords wound up and put away. Ensure that electrical outlets are covered with safety caps and that drawers are closed and latched when not in use.
- Prevent access to certain areas that are more dangerous — such as a backyard pool or a home workshop with tools in it — until your child is old enough to use them safely.
- Prevent trips and falls by picking up toys, and keep stairs and hallway floors clear of toys, clothing and shoes.
- Keep hot liquids away from the edge of the counter, and off of tables with tablecloths or runners so your child can’t accidentally pull them down. Keep pot and frying pan handles turned towards the back of the stove.
- Sharp objects such as knives and razors should always be stored out of reach.
- Keep small objects and toys away from younger children who may swallow them.
Introduce basic safety rules: Help your child understand why these rules are important and remember to follow them yourself — children learn by watching what we do. Here are some rules to teach your child:
- Tell him to “stop, look and listen” when someone calls out his name. Explain why listening and following instructions is so important in preventing injury. The word “no” means stop and look at me. “Okay” means go. This rule is especially important around traffic, in the playground, on outings or when doing activities around water.
- Do not cross the street without an adult.
- Hazard symbols mean “Danger. Stay away.” Ask your child to tell you if he is near a product marked as hazardous.
- Hold the handrail and turn on a light before going up or down stairs.
- Turn the cold water faucet on first when washing hands.
- Ask an adult before opening bottles or containers.
- Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, but take it off before playing at the park.
- Don’t ever go into water (for example a pool, lake or river) without an adult.
- Avoid climbing or pulling on big pieces of furniture.
Your preschooler loves to learn. He will be very open to basic safety routines if they are talked about, practiced and shared.
Dr. Denis Leduc is a general pediatrician in the Montreal area. He is a Past President of the Canadian Pediatric Society.
For more information on your child's growth and development, visit www.caringforkids.cps.ca, www.soinsdenosenfants.cps.ca, www.facebook.com/caringforkids.cps.ca or on Twitter @CaringforKids and @soinsenfants.
