Toddler Street and Auto Safety 101

Taking your toddler for a walk is good exercise for you and your child. Walking or a trip in the car gives them a chance to explore and learn about the world around them. Exploring and learning is a very important part of the development of your child, but there are hazards that exist when you walk out the door into the world. These hazards can be prevented just by teaching your child about the dangers and accidents that can happen.

Whether a car, truck, or just a bicycle, the street, parking lots, and inside the car can be dangerous. This ranges from the well known teaching your child how to cross the street safely to playing with the door locks in the car and once again, injuries can be minor or severe.

The moment your child begins walking across the street or even through the parking lot begin with explaining how they are to stop, look, and listen for cars and trucks. Teaching your child the can only cross the street on a green light or why the walk sign is on if there is one. Also explain that drivers in the cars can’t see them because they are small, there are cars they can’t see around, and any other relevant explanation.

Every time, make sure to have your child repeat these actions every time. After a while of practice begin quizzing them every time you reach an intersection. Have them stop and ask them what they are supposed to do. You never want to be lax on this no matter what the situation, how old your child is, or how long you have been repeating the same phase. Always hold your child’s hand and tell them they are not to go without a grownup. There is no exception to these rules.

While your toddler is in the car, another rule that has no exceptions is using a car seat. This will also mean that you will have to be the role model and set a good example by wearing your own seatbelt. Plus seat belts and car seats are required by law anyway. Explain how you are trying to keep them safe and you don’t want them to get hurt as your reasons why. You don’t want to scare them into using them because of the chance of being in trouble with a police officer. The thought of being in trouble with a police officer which cause your child to possibly fear police officer instead of knowing they are here to help us.

Other rules for care safety include not throwing any toys. Thrown toys can cause a distraction that could an accident. You also want to teach your toddler not to play with the buttons that roll the windows up and down or lock the doors. This is not just because it can be distracting while you are trying to drive, but they could lock you out or lock them in. You should leave your child alone in the car for any length of time, expect maybe to close the garage door. Yet that is just enough time for them to play with things they shouldn’t.

From walking to the park or just taking a ride to the store for milk, there are several safety hazardous along the way that you should teach your toddler about. The above tips are a good spring board for important safety habits you child will need to know.