Mom and Dad: What You Need to Know About Me

by SafeKids/PIO
Sept. 29, 2009

I may roll my eyes at your safety rules, but I’m really listening. I am trying to be independent and show I’m in control.

I still don’t really understand risks. I think I’m invincible and nothing will ever hurt me. That kind of stuff only happens to other kids.

While you’re not watching, I’ll try new things. Sometimes I’ll take a risk just to show-off for my friends.

That’s why you should talk to me about ways to stay safe since you can’t follow me around. Empower me to make safe choices because I still trust you to teach me the right things to do.
Did you know…?

I  am starting to understand risks, but may take them anyway.

I still have trouble avoiding obstacles and preventing falls.

My visual perception is less defined than older kids’.

I can’t always identify oncoming cars in busy intersections because I’m not fully able to recognize an object from a busy background.

I’m very influenced by my friends and concerned about what they think of me.

I’m very likely to be injured by cooking equipment-related fires, candle fires or by fireworks.

I’m more likely to be completely unrestrained in a car than little kids.

Safety Tips Checklist

Preventing Falls & Injuries at Play

• Make sure your child wears a helmet and protective gear every time he or she bikes, rides a scooter, skates, skateboards, skis, etc.

Preventing Motor Vehicle Injuries

• Pre-teens should always use a lap and shoulder belt on every ride.

• Pre-teens under about 4 foot 9 inches and 80 to 100 pounds should use a booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt.

• Never put the shoulder belt behind the back or under the arm.

• All children under age 13 should ride in a back seat.

Preventing Burns & Scalds

• Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

• Practice an escape plan with your family.

• Teach your pre-teen to never play with matches, lighters or fireworks and to never light candles in his or her bedroom.

• Set your water heater at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

• Place hot foods and liquids on the center of the table. Don’t set them on the edges of tables or counters.

• Don’t let your child use a microwave until he or she is tall enough to reach the items in it safely and understands that steam can cause burns.

Preventing Poisonings

• Talk to your pre-teen about the dangers of poisonous items like inhalants and prescription medicines.

Source: Safe Kids

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com