The festive season is about fun, family and freedom from normal work and school routines. If you have children, the added excitement that the holidays bring for them can also mean more accidents during outdoor activities or even just at home. December is Prevention of Injuries Month in South Africa, and in light of this, here are six practical tips to keep your kids safe this holiday season:
- Set up child-safe kitchen rules
From baking cookies to preparing festive meals for friends and family, the kitchen tends to be the heart of the home during the holidays. However, it can also be a potential danger zone with hot stoves, sharp utensils and added activity. To prevent burns and cuts, designate a “no-go” area for your children in the kitchen near hot surfaces or sharp knives. If your children want to get involved with food preparation, give them age-appropriate tasks like mixing ingredients while supervising activities like chopping, cutting or using the stove.
2. Supervise outdoor activities
Summer holidays usually mean more time spent outside, which is fantastic for kids – but these outdoor activities also come with risks. Ensure your kids have age-appropriate safety gear such as helmets, knee pads and elbow guards for activities like bike riding, skateboarding or rollerblading. When it comes to swimming – whether in the pool at home, at the beach or in a river – it’s critical to ensure adult supervision. Even kids who can swim are at risk of drowning, and it can happen in a matter of seconds or minutes. If your children are swimming, use “active supervision” where you put down your phone, stay close and focus on watching them.
3. Prepare a safe play space
If your kids are in the crawling or toddling stage, you’ve probably childproofed your house – but if not, the December break is a good time to do this. Cushion furniture edges, install baby gates or safety railings if your home has stairs, secure tall furniture like bookshelves and clear away small toys or objects that could be a choking hazard. At the same time, create a designated play area where your kids can be kids – for example a playroom filled with soft furnishings or a part of your lounge that’s not being used.
4. Access Paed-IQ for expert advice
No matter how many prevention steps you put in place, you may still be faced with childhood accidents. In these stressful situations, you may call your GP, but they can be difficult to reach if something happens after hours, on weekends, or when their rooms are closed between Christmas and New Year. Luckily, there are other options. If you’re a member of Fedhealth, for example, you can access Paed-IQ, a free, 24/7 telephonic paediatric advice line that connects parents to paediatric-trained nurses for expert advice on various health issues. Whether it’s a suspected broken arm, a burn or a gash on your child’s forehead, having professional help just a phone call away can be a huge relief. This support can also help you make informed decisions about whether you need further help.
5. Watch the festive decorations
Twinkling fairy lights, tinsel, glass ornaments, candle centrepieces…while festive decorations add sparkle to your home, but they can be a hazard if you have young children. Place fragile ornaments out of reach, and if you’re hanging string lights, make sure the wires are tucked away. Battery-operated candles can also be safer than open flames, which require constant supervision by adults. By implementing some safer alternatives, you’ll still be able to create a feeling of festive warmth without risking accidental burns or cuts.
6. Plan shared playdates
Friends and family get-togethers are a fun part of the holiday season, especially if there are children all around the same age. However, injuries can easily happen when kids are left unsupervised in new or exciting environments. If you’re hosting, designate a safe play area and set ground rules that limit risky behaviour, such as no running indoors or climbing furniture. Consider alternating supervision duties with other parents so that at least one adult is always actively watching the children. This way, the kids have fun, and the adults can relax, too!
The December holidays should be about building happy memories rather than dealing with emergencies. By taking a few simple precautions, you can focus on enjoying this time with your kids while knowing they’re safe. Here’s to a festive season filled with the confidence and peace of mind of knowing your kids are safe, happy and carefree.
