The environment of a house can be dangerous for a child, especially when no certain safety rules are applied. The following safety rules should be taught to children, in order to prevent different accidents that may happen in a house.

-We don’t play with sources of electrical energy, electrical devices and we stay away from hot objects or containers of hot water, oil and other substances

-We don’t play with lighters and matches, we don’t start a fire and we stay away from fireplaces and heaters

-We don’t climb on furniture

-We stay away from detergents and cleaning products

-We stay away from detergents and cleaning products

-We don’t touch/use sharp objects like knives or scissors

-We don’t climb on windows or on stair or balcony railings

-We stay away from swimming pools and we never get in unless we are under an adult’s supervision

-We don’t use electrical devices in the bathroom

The above rules are indicative and it’s up to parents to set their own safety rules, considering the specific features of their house.

But in order for a child to comprehend and comply with the safety rules, parents should explain the reasons why each rule exists and which are the possible consequences if a rule is not followed. In addition to that, the rules should be often reminded to children, who need a constant repetition in order to learn and consolidate anything.

We should all keep in mind that a child’s safety is an exclusive responsibility of parents, or of the person who keeps the child. Having rules should not, under any circumstances, be a reason for us to be sure that children will indeed follow them and stay safe.

It is our responsibility to keep medicine, cleaning products and other dangerous substances locked and out of reach of children. Furniture and other heavy objects should be secured in a way that even if a child climbs on them, will not risk being crushed. Windows, balconies and stairs should be secured so even if a child climbs on them, will not risk falling. Sharp and other dangerous objects or substances, like knives, scissors, lighters, matches, oil, alcohol etc, should be kept out of reach of children.

Dangerous furniture edges, sockets, stairs and other parts of a house which could be dangerous for children should be covered or secured, so as to be safe.

Children’s safety is a priority for all parents and we should be alert at all times. Even if we have taught the rules to our children, we should always remember that their safety is firstly our responsibility and in no case, we can rely on a child to follow the rules in case he has to.