Wednesday, 18 November 2009

Do You Know Who Your Children Are With Really? Keep Your Children Safe

Our children are one of the most precious gifts we receive and at the same time they can be the most vulnerable in this harsh world we now live in. They seem to be growing up so fast and learn so much more than we ever did, especially with access to the vast amount of information available on the internet. Child Safety is not an easy task but it's our job to keep them safe and we must do what we can to ensure they have the best chance to grow up and enjoy their life.

Most of us drive our children around everywhere they want to go. We live in a day of the automobile and it's just a fact of life. It's also our way of ensuring that we have a handle on what our children are doing and who they are hanging around with. But do you really know what they are doing? When they ask you to drop them off before getting to the front door of school or their friends house you assume it's because it's not cool to be seen with a parent, and maybe that is the case. But what if your child is visiting somewhere they shouldn't be? We just don't know what kind of people our children are actually hanging out with. As hard as we try we can't watch them 24/7 and it's not reasonable for their growth or your sanity to try either.

So here is something you can do that might help you to see who your children are visiting or hanging out with. Next time you are asked to drop them off in front of a home rather than walking them in or they want you to drop them off a block or two from what you thought was their destination without explanation, make a note of the address.

Unknown to your child or yourself, they may be placing themselves in a terrible situation. We want to respect our child's privacy as well as their independence but we also must make sure they are safe. You don't want to to get a phone call from anyone telling you that your child has been hurt of even worse. But there are places you can get more information to make sure you children are not hanging around with the wrong type of people. If you have an address or a phone number, including a cell phone number you can search the internet for people search engines, there are many to choose from, and many do provide free information and can provide detailed information for you.

You can find out things like if they have ever been charged with a felony or a misdemeanor crime, you can have access to their criminal and civil court records just as a starter. Your child will never know that you have checked up on their friend(s) and you will have some peace of mind knowing you have gone the extra mile to ensure their safety. Too many parents have no idea how to check and make sure their children are safe, but this is one resource that a watchful parent just can't go without in today's world.

If you are uneasy or suspicious about who your child is visiting or where they are hanging out, all you need is an address, a phone number or even an email address and you can access a huge resource of information. You can find out if any of them present a danger to your child by accessing their criminal, civil court records, marriage and death certificates. It's worth it to make sure you child is safe and to give you peace of mind, especially in today's world, we just can't assume that our children are safe anymore. You just have to make sure. Utilize the tips and advice above along with this site or another site that allows you to search in this way, so that you can be sure your child is safe.

There is no such thing as having done too much to keep them safe.

Terry Ladouceur has been online for over 25 years and has a lot of experience in many areas of the Internet. His focus is on internet marketing, web site design and programming. He also like to write on many topics including health and fitness, marketing, and making money online.
http://search4someoneonline.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Ladouceur

Want to Know How to Choose a Child Safety Gate

So you want to know which child safety gate you need to buy?

I understand how you feel- in fact I bought a safety gate for my daughter. I did not want to spend a lot of money. So I bought an inexpensive one. Do you know what happened? It did not last 2 months. It was totally conquered by my little daughter and wrecked. I had to buy another strong metal one again. I don't want you to make a same mistake I did.

Here are some tips for you.

First, babies grow fast. Do not expect you can use the child safety gate for couple of years. One way or another, your baby will figure out how to deal with his or her challenge. Almost 90 %, your baby will win. You will be amazed to see how they quickly find out a way to deal with their obstacle. So keep that in mind.

Second, to be honest with you, there are no manufacturers which make a perfect child safety gate in my opinion. Even though most famous manufacturers JPMA certified, some might not be good enough for your special situation. So it is not some particular brand you should be looking for. It is your unique situation at your home. What kind or type of safety gate is safe for your child should be your major concern.

Third, if you are looking for used one just in case, gates made prior to 1985 have diamond shaped openings. These kinds of gates are dangerous and should not be used. It is not being made after 1985, you will still see them being sold at garage sales and resale shops. You should never use this kind of gate for your child

Basically, there are two types of gates. Hardware-mounted and pressure-mounted gates are the two different types. You can use hardware-mounted gate for some area you want to your child to be safe for sure like top of stairs and pressure-mounted gate for less unsafe places. You should, however, always remember, baby gates are not a substitute for parental supervision.

Good news: I have tons of child safety gate information on my blog and get the information you might need.

Right now, I don't know what kind of you want. If you want to know how to choose a child safety gate. Please visit my blog http://www.mychildsafetygate.com and check different types of child safety gates.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Roh

Fix and Repair the 21 Hidden Dangers in Your Home That Can Kill a Child - Is Your Home a Safe House

Believe it or not there are more accidents and fatalities that occur in and around the home than that on the roads, in the water or up in the air. The place you believe to be your safe haven might not be as protected as it should be. Are you and your kids safe in the home that men refer to as their castle? Even a castle has a moat to protect those behind the wall. I do not doubt that you will have taken all the necessary precautions to keep your kids and pets safe, however and not intentional many dangers that kill and maim go unobserved. As a caring parent you want to do right by your children keeping them safe and out of harms way, but how? When these so called "hidden" dangers are not to be seen? Most accidents that happen in the home and the specific hazardous element that caused it, "is" actually seen by the protector, but oblivious to the damage and harm it can cause has these perilous troubles overlooked.

Tips on how to keep children safe in the home

We all know toddlers are inquisitive (curious) little characters. Remember, "Curiosity killed the cat." Every room in the house will hold a danger that is threatening to the well being of your child.

1. Things like an upstairs window left open is lethal if a child is left upstairs alone, even the staircase itself without a safety gate being another (depending on the age of the child.)

2. If the toddler is at a height where he/she can reach the hot tap is a classic peril in the home that has kiddies regularly treated for scalds.

3. A risky household appliance is the iron. Casualties by the minute are treated for iron burns. Pick an allotted time to do your ironing so toddlers do not play ring-o-roses around your legs. (Bedtime) If this is not possible for whatever reason then be careful. Never leave the iron to cool down on a work surface, or ironing board that is within easy reach. It is not good practice, and neither is the flex if left dangling. Hairdryers, curling tongs and razors have to be stored away so kids are not tempted to copy mommy/daddy. This applies to perfume and aftershaves, so children do not drink the stuff or spray it in their eyes.

4. Cleaning substances like bleach, disinfectant, furniture polish or other, are not children friendly. Serious complications can rise from children getting hold of them. It is important to store tablets/pills in a locked bathroom cabinet. God forbid if they get their hands on medication. An overdose can kill and a stomach pump is nasty.

5. Reconsider location of your cutlery drawer if it is low down. (Knives forks corkscrew meat skewers can blind and pierce the skin.)

6. Door locks leading to the outside of your home you need to fit up high. You know as well as I do you have to have eyes in the back of your head when looking after toddlers. Low down locks make it easy for children to let themselves out, and if you have not got eyes in the back of your head then the outcome could be disastrous.

7. Electricity we often take for granted, forgetting that it can kill through shock or fire. Check all electrical wires/cable are wrapped in protective covering. Wires should be un-tangled without knotting. Teach your children how to use electricity safely, or point out the dangers from misuse (age will determine which safety pointer to tell.) Every year in Britain thousands of people are seriously injured as a result of electrical accidents in the home, most being minors.

8. Table lamps low down is not ideal, tell the children not to touch the bulb inside. Avoid bedside lamps in their bedroom.

9. If you smoke, do not around children, and neither leave your fags matches or lighter hanging around.

10. Test smoke alarms you have installed in your home regular to make sure they work. Batteries do not last forever.

11. Lighting should be bright in the home. Fumbling in the dark is dangerous. Never use candles unless necessary. Have the outside of your home brightly lit so the foot path is clearly seen.

12. Cover gas cooker knobs so children cannot turn them on. And place protective covering over electric burners while cooling down.

13. Opened tins and can lids discard immediately, as they are sharp. Keep the rubbish bag in a pedal bin so your dog/cat cannot rummage inside for scraps. Kids tend to follow behind a cat and dog and might be tempted to eat the green mould bread and cheese you threw away, or food gone over their sell by date

Keep kids safe and minimize the risks of accidents involving electricity. Minors do not fully understand the dangers of electricity, and neither do a lot of adults who claim they do, and suffer due to their false claims.

14. Protect your family from harm and check for damaged plugs, sockets and frayed flexes, which are seriously dangerous and should be mended or replaced.

Tips to help parents keep children safe from everyday electrical dangers in the house:

Water and electricity not a match made in heaven. And that is where you will end up if you work with a combination of the two. After having a bath thoroughly dry your body before touching electrical appliances.

Do not give drinks to kids while on the computer or playing on their games consoles.

Switch off electrical appliances before retiring for bed, not only is it a safety measure you need to get in the habit of doing, it will save you money and good for the environment.

The garden will always look pretty and inviting in spring and summers months, however a dangerous place for you - your kids and pets. Lawn mowers, hedge cutters, leaf vacuums all work off electricity.

Never leave children unattended in the garden shed. A gulp of pesticide or falling hammers can kill.

Electrical sockets used to power these appliances should be fitted with an RCD, a safety cut out device.

Fit safety covers over plug sockets. Kids have a tendency to stick their fingers or whatever is in their hand at the time of their attention being drawn towards the socket inside.

Garden Hazards

15. Warn children about rose bushes because of the thorns

16. They say worms are full of protein; however kids are not to eat bugs and berries

17. Branches that hang low are tempting for a child who likes to climb. If spiky twigs spiral through fencing alongside a walkway then trim them back to avoid puncturing of the skin or eye.

18. Cover the garden pond when your not there, nonetheless children should be supervised at all times if a water feature is installed covered or not.

19. Place covers over all drains to stop kids putting their hands in the water flow, or worse still their mouth.

20. Holes in concrete paving need to be filled

21. Garden walls, fences and ladders attract kids like magnets who then in a split second become spider-man. Warn them of the dangers of climbing

Why not let the experts help you keep your children safe in the home

The Electrical Safety Council has introduced a new online resource switchedonkids.org.uk which includes games, quizzes and other fun interactive features to help children understand more about safety and the dangers involved with electricity. .There is also a section for parents which include basic essential first aid information that no home owner with kids should be without.

You know your kids behaviour better than any other therefore giving you insight to what he/she is capable of doing or likely to get up to. Get a pen and paper and jot down the dangers you see and tick them off as you fix or replace. Ask your partner have they noticed any jobs that need dong. It is a good idea to visit each room of the house because people tend to forget what is included in them. This will help jog your memory so you can protect your kids from harm.

Christmas is around the corner so think candles and fairy lights as being hazards if not carefully handled.

Pregnant & Want A Safe House For Raising Baby - DIY For Baby's Cradle & More

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kacy_Carr

Monday, 26 October 2009

How to Keep Your Children Safe During Halloween

Ok parents, Halloween is almost here which means you will have a ton of fun making lots of silly and spooky memories with your children but you also need to take the extra steps to ensure that your children are safe during the holiday festivities.

The Costume- Make sure that your child is comfortable in their costume. Make sure they are wearing layers underneath it if it is cold outside and make sure that there is something reflective on it so that they can be seen in the dark by driving cars. If the costume has a cape, ensure that it is short enough so your child or another child walking behind them doesn't step on it and cause your child to fall.

Candy- In the eyes of your children the best part about the whole Halloween night of trick-or-treating is of course the candy. When you get back to your own home inspect the candy. If candy looks like it has been opened or tampered with, immediately throw it away. If your child is young dispose of hard candy that could make your child choke. It is best to give your child a few pieces of candy that night and then take the rest away and use it to reinforce good behavior or for an after dinner snack.

The Neighborhood- Only allow your child to go trick-or-treating with friends that you trust and in areas that you know are safe. The last thing you want is for your child to get lost in a neighborhood they are unfamiliar with on Halloween night.

Halloween can be a wonderful time for families to laugh, have fun and be spooky just make sure that your children are safe at all times.

Visit http://www.onestopshopforkids.com/kids-halloween.html for everything you need for babies and kids!

Author of A Humorous Guide to Being a First Time Mom and Bright and White Brushing Your Teeth Can Be Fun! Both books are available on Amazon.com and One Stop Shop for Kids! They make great baby shower and first birthday gifts!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Chamberlain

Online Security - Shielding the Children From Online Predators

It is of extreme importance for everyone to realize that when children are using the Internet, it's the adults' responsibility to keep them safe. Indeed, one the of the most important things that a parent can do these days is to beef up their home computers' online security to protect the children from threats. And when it comes to this tender age group, the most serious yet is online pedophilia.

How unfortunate that the very technology that helps humans grow in a multitude of ways is also the same technology that could be used for his destruction. Online pedophilia is a crime that is very rampant these days and mostly, it's because adults have become too complacent about their children. Most of them adults also barely realize that Internet threats are real and people do get hurt or harmed by them once they balloon out of proportion. Still, there seems to be very little awareness about these things.

If you are a parent who is genuinely concerned about the online safety of your child, take the time to research about sexual predation on the Internet. You will surely find some shocking truths about the rampancy of this crime. Some offenders actually go out of their way to know about the things that currently interest young people such as the latest music, fashion trends, hobbies and the like. While chatting with the kids, they will pretend that they are of the same age. And once rapport is built, the sickos will slowly begin to introduce sexual content into their conversations. On the other hand, some offenders can be more upfront about what they want. They will openly discuss about their intentions for chatting and may even make invitations for virtual sex.

Understanding this threat will need one to consider that people who are of this mindset do not choose their victims. Whatever the children's age, nationality or gender will not be a factor when it comes to the probability of being victimized. That's why parents should always be on guard against these online elements.

It is, in fact, essential for children's online activities to be kept a tab on consistently and that's because there's a great possibility that they will meet up with offenders offline. Then the dangers are simply greater. Even after communicating through the Internet, predator and prey can still keep in touch with the use of cellphones and even through emails. Thus, when monitoring the kids, a parent shouldn't only focus on what's on the computer because usually, the dangers become more serious when communication has begun offline.

For parents who are to busy to supervise their children personally with their online activities, a hidden camera positioned near the computer could be a worthy investment. Or the computer itself could be protected so that online predators will be kept at bay. Pedophilia sites harvest emails from the Internet each day, but when your IP address is hidden, you can't possibly end up on their list.

In other words, when you install an IP changing software, your child can surf anonymously, so he can be safe from predators while staying online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brad_M_Smith

5 Ideas For Safe Computer Use at Home

It used to be that one computer would take up a massive area and wouldn't fit in the normal household. Now most people have at least one computer in their house.. If your child has access to their own or a family computer it's important they know how to use it safely.

Children value their privacy and teenagers more so. Unfortunately, teenagers are not very good at putting safety before curiosity without strong parental guidance. As parents we do everything we can to protect our children and this has to include teaching them how to use the computer safely.

Are there any simple ways to protect your children when they are using the computer to access the internet? The following five tips will help your children be safer when on the internet and will make you feel happier about the time they spend online.

1. Talk to your children. As a means of protecting your children from the dangers of online predators, this is one of the best. To create an atmosphere of trust at home you must talk openly and honestly to your children. You need to explain what the dangers are to your children and then agree some safety precautions they will take. Occasionally your child will break the rules. Don't panic. Just remind them of why you have imposed your rules.

2. Keep computers where they can be seen by you. It is harder to monitor what they are seeing and doing when a child is using the computer behind bedroom doors. It's much easier for you to keep an eye on what they are doing if it's in a common room in the house. You can insist they keep the bedroom door open if you feel it's alright for your child to use the computer in their bedroom, and with teenagers this is very likely. This rule on its own is probably enough to deter most children from watching something they know they shouldn't.

3. It's easy to get software to install so that you can monitor and control what your children do on the computer. Almost all children know how to use a computer to access the internet now. You can stop them getting access to sites which have nudity or pornography by installing the software which is now easily available. You can also install software to monitor their time online and prevent the sending, and/or receiving, of explicit material and personal information.

4. Tell your children why they shouldn't send personal information to others. Sites such as those used for social networking, may often ask for personal details before your child can sign up to join. Online predators may have created a website so that they can get personal information from children and your child should be aware of this. Tell your children to check with you before they give out their address or name of school or other personal information on a web form.

5. Control email accounts. Email is an easy and common way for anonymous people to send pornographic images or messages. Block all but your chidrens' friends' email addresses to their address book. This is one way to prevent them receiving pornographic material.

The knowledge you can impart to your children about the dangers of being online, will have a great impact on their ability to protect themselves when they are offline too.

To get even more ideas on how to protect your children from online predators you can download a free copy of Online Predators FAQ from http://stoppingonlinepredators.info/main.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Green

Child Safety - Dangers in Your Garage

Many of us are very good at making sure we keep the household poisons out of our children's reach, change our fire alarm batteries twice a year like we're supposed to, and maybe even have talked to our family members about a house fire escape plan. These are all great things but often we tend to overlook some other areas of danger in some not so obvious areas of the home. One particular area is the garage. Here are some of the potential dangers to consider:

• Chemicals and other poisons in the garage. The garage is packed full of potentially lethal chemicals that we need to keep out of our kids reach and to educate them about the dangers. These include cleaning chemicals, solvents, fuels for the lawnmower, etc. Keep these on higher level shelves to keep them out of reach.

• Garages typically serve as a storage area for equipment and tools. Many of these tools can pose risks to kids and this need to be managed appropriately. Take an inventory of what in your garage and relocate items that could pose a risk to these "little people".

• Automatic garage doors can be deadly if they're not operated with all the proper safety devices in place. Never ever allow your garage door to operate without the designed safety features fully functional. Better yet test your door to ensure it reverses when it hits and obstruction or that if will stop if something crosses its sensing beam.

• Another safety risk that needs to be thought through is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Proper ventilation is a must. Vehicles and other combustion engines must not but operated in a garage without opening the garage door and ensuring there is adequate ventilation.

The safety of our children is important to all of us. By taking a look at the risks we have around the home we can ensure we can help our kids stay safe and sound.

Jason is an advocate for child safety around the home; Please visit his new website on finding kids battery cars and a kids electric scooter.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Bolte