Children old enough to attend school will be required to have vaccinations.  This will prevent a child from catching a variety of diseases including measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and more.  Some of these diseases can be fatal.  There is some controversy about the safety of certain vaccinations.  Use your best judgment to keep your child safe.

Once your child is old enough to start riding a bike or using a skateboard it’s time to think about getting the correct safety equipment for the child.  Helmets can prevent concussions in the case of a fall.  Gloves can give a child a better grip on the handlebars of a bike.  Elbow pads and kneepads are great for preventing injury as a child learns to do tricks on a skateboard.  Every year, take a moment and check over the bike to make sure it is working correctly before you child uses it.  Teach your child where it is safe to ride a bike or skateboard.  Keep them out of the street, and in the designated areas.

What’s the weather like outside?  If it is cold and snowing, make sure your child is wearing boots, gloves, hats, a scarf, and a warm winter coat.  This will keep your child safe from frostbite.  Warm and sunny weather means you need to keep your child safe from the sun and heat.  Apply sunscreen to exposed skin, and have your child wear a hat and sunglasses to prevent sunburn.  Keep a water bottle nearby to prevent dehydration.

It is important to teach your child how to be safe from strangers.  Schools may have discussions about avoiding “stranger danger”.  What is not usually mentioned is online safety.  Monitor your child while he or she is on the Internet.  Make sure your child knows to never give out his or her full name, address, or telephone number.  Internet filters can be helpful.

In general, common sense and a watchful eye are your best tools to use to keep your child safe.