National Safe Kids Week

May 6 - 13, 2006, is National SAFE KIDS Week. This week, the emphasis is placed on the prevention of accidents that can happen with our children. While the Deaf parent has the typical stressors of childhood accidents, such as their child taking medications left around the house or falling off of their bicycle, they also have additional stressors to be caution of. For instance, a child that has hearing loss might not be able to hear an oncoming car, even when the driver honks their horn. Those that are playing in the street are most in danger of being hit accidentally by a driver.

There are many accidents that occur in childhood that can be prevented. For example, as parents, we must make sure that all medications are left out of the reach of our child. It is not unusual for a child to mistake a bottle of iron pills for candy, since they have a unique color to them. It is also not unusual for a child to identify any bottle of pills with candies, such as M & M’s or Skittles. Therefore, it is imperative that we keep all medications out of our child’s reach.

Another example is that of skateboarding, bicycle riding, rollerblading etc. These types of accidents can be prevented by ensuring that our children are wearing a helmet. While I am aware of the fact that children, particularly those in their adolescent years, shun the use of helmets, it is for their own safety. Many children have accidents while on a skateboard, bicycle, or rollerblades. A really good example is my own son. Approximately two years ago, while riding his bike, my son hit a huge hold in a sidewalk that sent him flying from his bicycle. I took him to the emergency room because he had cracked his helmet in two different places and had numerous bruises and scrapes. The emergency room doctor said that his helmet saved his life that day. So, while we can understand our children’s plight in saving face when around their friends, we also need to stress the use of helmets with our children.

Other types of accidents within the home are electrical sockets that are left uncovered, failing to lock up cleansers that are stored under kitchen and bathroom sinks, and leaving buckets of cleansers within reach of an infant or toddler. All of these scenarios have the possibility of having a deadly effect on our children.

Please do a thorough check within your home during this week, in order to ensure the safety and protection of your children. Take precautionary measures to prevent injuries that are accidental with your children.