Putting Kids First on Universal Children’s Day

As parents, we do everything we can to give our children the things that they need to be happy, healthy, and productive as children and when they grow up to be adults. But, at Breyer Law Offices, P.C., we believe it never hurts to have a little reminder about what kids really need, which is what Universal Children’s Day is all about.

Every year, on November 20th, the General Assembly of the United Nations (U.N.) encourages adults to put kids first and aims to cultivate understanding and give children what they need. As a part of giving your children what they need, it’s important to remember safety in everything you do and for everywhere you go.

Here’s a list of things you can do to help make every day about your child’s safety:

• Watch your children around swimming pools and natural bodies of water to ensure that they do not fall in or try to swim in the deep end without an adult present.
• Teach your children about street safety and remind them to always walk on the sidewalk when it is available, to cross the street at corners and crosswalks, to always watch for cars, and to avoid running out into the street for any reason.
• Help your child to learn sports safety tips, including the importance of stretching and wearing proper safety gear.
• Make fire and burn safety one of the most important things you teach your family. Give your children an exit strategy in case of a house fire and teach them about burns that can happen with appliances and the stove.
• Talk to your children about weapons and safety. Even a common steak knife can become a tool for tragedy if used inappropriately. Make sure that your children understand the proper and improper uses of knives, scissors, guns, and other dangerous instruments and tools in your home.

Childhood is a time for having fun. This may stifle the inner “keeper” in some parents and may make you think that you shouldn’t ruin your child’s adventurous spirit. However, remember that just because you don’t want to stop them from climbing the neighbor’s tree doesn’t mean you can’t teach them to do it safely.