"I might only be fifteen months old, but as I toddle around the house, I find a lot of things on the floor that interest me. When mommy isn't looking right at me, I sometimes put things in my mouth. Some taste good like peas or fruit left over from my lunch. Others, like little pieces from Doggie's bowl are dry and choke me. The water in his bowl smells better than the toilet and I like that. It's easy for me to pull things from the shelves in the laundry room, like bleach that burns if any drips on me. I pushed the top of a spray bottle once and it went in my eyes. Mommy didn't know why I was crying so could only pick me up and hug me. That didn't help my burning eyeballs, but after blinking and crying a lot, it was better. I hope mommy and daddy realize that accidents kill more kids every year than childhood diseases. But, I know that just by keeping their eye on me and not leaving me alone for more than an instant, they can protect me from almost all dangers. Boy, I hope they do that!"

The National Safety Council says 8,000 children younger than fifteen are killed and 50,000 are permanently disabled in home accidents. Poisoning and falls are the main causes for younger children with choking and suffocation not far behind. The council reports that the use of safety items such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, first-aid kits, emergency phone numbers, a fire evacuation plan, and proper storage of hazardous substances are useful accident prevention tools. However, nothing serves like always being aware of where children are and what they are doing. It only takes an instant for trouble to develop. Please watch your kids carefully, parents.

"I started school this year and like first grade. If I could print better, my teacher would like me more. Sometimes, I get into fights because people want to take my pencils or paper and I don't like it. When they get close to me I know they are going to take my stuff. My teacher says to ignore them, but I want to be a friend too. I wish my teacher knew my older sister takes my stuff and I can't ignore her. If my sister takes my stuff, maybe the school kids will too, and I've got to watch out."

Fighting, rebellious behavior, anger, and blaming others by the primary school age child, particularly boys, often have their inception in frustration with new school tasks, adjustment to peer and sibling relationships, and factors outside of the school environment. Child psychologists point out that teachers and parents, instead of imposing punishment or discipline, might help children work through these problems and learn how to use resources for coping and solving problems peaceably.

"Third grade is hard. My eyes hurt when I read a book and the words start to look funny. Sometimes, I say I don't like the story and won't read but the teacher tells me I have to."

Ophthalmologists recommend that children get vision screening before they start to school, earlier with any vision difficulty symptoms. Indicators include any family history of eye problems, squinting eyes or cocking the head while watching TV, moving closer to far objects, wandering or crossed eyes, or an unexplained disinterest in reading or schoolwork. Children have difficulty in centering on exactly what is wrong, and being alert to signals is important.

Protecting children from harm at all times is a major responsibility of all child care givers, including parents. The number one way to protect kids is to HAVE AN EYE ON THEM AT ALL TIMES. Watch them carefully and supervise their activities. We love them. Let's keep them safe!

Return....to the Home page Index.