We
all know that despite our strongest efforts, we can't watch our kids
every moment of the day. But we can use basic safety strategies. Insist
that your children wear a helmet when bike riding, scootering, in-line
skating and ice-skating, skiing, skateboarding, and sledding. Keep a
close eye on young kids who are just beginning to walk or crawl, and be
vigilant about putting safety gates across open stairways. Install
nonskid mats in bathtubs and guards on windows.
If
your child takes a tumble, try to keep your emotions in check. It can
mean the difference between a quick recovery and long-term problems. Pay
attention to the details of her injury because you'll need to share
that info with the doctor. And if she has to go to the hospital, you'll
be able to relate to the emergency room physician how far your child
fell, how the accident happened, and other crucial details that will
help the doctor make good treatment decisions.
