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The holiday season is a time of joy, rest, and increased family time. Yet, as children spend more time at home, the risk of accidental injuries also rises. Unintentional injuries in the home are a serious concern A study notes that around one million child fatalities globally each year are linked to home accidents, with an estimated 10 million more non-fatal injuries. These numbers reflect how frequent and unavoidable many accidents are, and they underscore the real need for thoughtful prevention — especially when kids are home more often.
Why the Home Isn’t Always Safe
Children are naturally curious. They explore by touching, climbing, and testing their boundaries. In fact, studies show that falls are the most common type of home injury for young children, accounting for more than half of unintentional injuries in some age groups. PubMed+1 Young children also face serious risks of burns, poisonings, and scalds, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and near household chemicals. RoSPA+1
Because children under the age of five spend a lot of time at home, they are more exposed to hazards, and their limited ability to recognize danger increases the risk. Modern Ghana Research also shows that many of these incidents could be prevented by creating safer environments and educating caregivers. PubMed+1
Practical Tips for Parents to Prevent Home Accidents
Here are some simple but effective strategies to keep your children safe during the holidays:
- Childproof your home
- Store medicines, cleaning agents, and other toxins well out of reach or locked up.
- Cover electrical outlets, secure windows, and install safety gates where needed.
- Make sure heavy furniture is anchored so that it can’t tip over if climbed on.
- Prevent falls
- Keep floors dry and clutter-free.
- Use non-slip mats in the bathroom and on stairs.
- Supervise children closely when they are on elevated surfaces like beds or sofas.
- Be careful in the kitchen
- Turn pot handles inward when cooking.
- Keep hot food, water, and sharp utensils out of a child’s reach.
- Use stove guards if possible, and never leave a child unattended near a hot stove.
- Reduce risk of poisoning
- Keep chemicals and medicines in child-resistant containers and locked cabinets.
- Teach children never to touch or taste unknown substances.
- Use safety locks on cupboards and drawer fronts.
- Strengthen supervision
- Always keep a close eye on very young children, especially during active play or when they are exploring.
- Assign adult supervision duty during high-risk times (e.g., when cooking or cleaning).
- Develop a habit of checking in often.
- Create a safe play space
- Designate a low-risk area in the home for children to play freely.
- Use soft play mats or carpets in areas where falls might happen.
- Make sure toys are age-appropriate and check them regularly for potential dangers.
- Educate your children
- Teach basic safety rules in a calm, friendly way. For example: “We don’t run near the stove,” or “We don’t touch cleaning bottles.”
- Role-play “what-if” scenarios with children so they can learn how to respond.
- Praise safe behavior and reinforce positive habits.
- Be ready for emergencies
- Have a first-aid kit accessible, and know how to use it.
- Memorize or stick emergency numbers where everyone can see them.
- Consider taking a basic first-aid or child CPR course.
A Loving, Thoughtful Approach
Safety is not about scaring children or limiting their freedom — it’s about creating an environment where they can explore, learn, and play while minimizing risk. As parents and caregivers, our role is to guide, protect, and teach. The small adjustments we make now can prevent serious injury, and even save lives.
This holiday season, let’s be intentional about safety. Let’s watch over our children with care, reduce home hazards, and build a space where joy and play go hand-in-hand with protection.
Keeping safe at home will help the child to keep safe at school. Actively responsible and safe learners become safe and responsible citizens making a safe world.
