Naturally, you want your children to grow up safely. But that is hard, especially if both of you work. So what can you do to make sure that they are always safe?
Well, to begin with, you can relax! Modern life has become highly risk averse, and that has resulted in children’s lives being highly restricted. Think of the adventures you had as a child, which we now deny our children, because we think every adult might be a paedophile.
Children are also kept impossibly clean, so they suffer from more allergies. Children who have never fallen are more likely to fear heights as adults.
So the challenge is not to create a 100 percent safe environment—that is not only impossible, it is damaging. Instead, your job is to minimise the hazards while at the same time helping your children to learn how to manage risk and danger for themselves.
Well start by getting your children vaccinated. Claims that it is unnecessary or dangerous are entirely wrong. Vaccination will save your children a whole load of misery, and if you have ever had to nurse a child with whooping cough, you will never again resist an inoculation.
Ideally, your mum or another trusted relative should be your go-to for childcare. Although there might still be issues. For example, imagine trying to tell her that you do not like the way she is looking after your baby!
So ask yourself a few questions before she starts. Like how flexible is she, in terms of time and attitudes? Do you and her agree on key child care issues?
If you decide to hire someone, think about how you will handle her time off. If she is not living in, think about how she will come to work—a difficult commute might make it hard for her to keep time. Can she stay on if you need to work late?
Does she have any health issues? Does she have children of her own? Firsthand childcare experience is obviously valuable, but having young children of her own might mean she has to stay home or bring them to your place occasionally. How do you feel about that?
Install barriers on stairs and balconies. Lock windows or fit guards. Fit smoke alarms. Store poisonous substances and medicines in locked cupboards.
Keep stuffed toys, cushions and loose clothing out of cots. Keep cords on blinds out of reach. Tie knots in plastic bags. Install earth leakage trips. Take first aid training, both you and your caregiver.
Read the labels to see what ages toys are safe for. Avoid toys that shoot things into the air. Make sure all parts are secure. Batteries should be in secure compartments, because they can cause choking and burns. Many non-toys can also tempt kids. So keep things like matches and knives out of reach.
It is all an attitude of mind really. Think about the risks and minimise them. And you will all be fine.
