by Shannon England-Rice
Child Advocacy Specialist

Unlike some Moms, I look forward to the end of the school year and summer break. Later bed times, taking a break from weekday routines, and less structure are a welcome relief from the long school year. I also enjoy the flexibility and leisure time that summer brings. I like having my children home in the summer months as well as having their friends join us at home.

Because kids spend more time at home during these months, there are a few more concerns when it comes to safety in the home. This is part-one a two-part series about some of the safety concerns at home. For part one we are going to discuss window falls, internet safety, and supervision.

Window Falls:

As the weather gets nicer, we usually like to open up the house windows and enjoy the fresh air. This, however, can lead to serious injury to toddlers. Because falls are the leading cause of injury to children under five, please make sure that window screens are securely in place. Please keep in mind, however, that window screens are actually meant for keeping insects out; they usually don’t have the strength to keep children from falling out.

Child Safety Guards are the safest way to protect a child from window falls. Also, make sure that there is nothing in front of your windows that toddlers can climb up on to gain access to the window. An unfortunate incident can happen fast - with devastating consequences.

Internet Safety:

With more time available, kids will naturally gravitate to home computers. Set rules and boundaries with your young kids as well as your teenagers. It may not be easy, but discuss this topic with them. There are many online protection tools that you can use.

In addition, become computer literate yourself to help block objectionable material, keep computers in common rooms where you can watch and monitor use, and book mark your child’s favorite sites for easy access.

Supervision:

I believe that all parents struggle with the question of what is the appropriate age for children to be left alone. There are few legal guidelines on this topic. Safe Kids Worldwide, recommends that no child under the age of 12 be left at home alone.

Each child, however, is different and there are varying maturity levels. If a child is more impulsive, waiting until ages 13 or 14 may be better. The concerns with leaving children alone include the traditional risks of fire, choking and other accidents, but there is also the more recent problem of home invasions.

Check the blog tomorrow for part two of summer safety in the home.

Shannon England-Rice has a degree in Public Heath, and has been working in Primary Children’s child advocacy department for 9 years. She’s dedicated to keeping kids safe through car seats, helmets, and parental supervision. She works with the Hold Onto To Dear Life campaign and other outreach programs. Shannon has 6 children and loves to exercise, read, shop, and travel.