In essence, safety begins at home. However, although homes have an adult-friendly environment, myriads of potential hazards can lead to death or hospitalization for children under the age of 3 years. Apparently, baby proofing homes are one recommendable method of ensuring safety. However, other parents presume that disciplining and teaching children how to listen and avoid touching or using hazardous materials is the best way of keeping them safe. Therefore, this discussion will provide a clear thought and opinion on both ideologies on maintaining safety for toddlers.
Kids under three years require extensive care from their parents or supervisors. Therefore, every little detail in a home poses a danger to the child because he or she is not fully developed to make informed safety decisions. Therefore, under those premises, most parents prefer to baby proof their kids who are under three years for fear of potential accidents. Consequently, total care is required because, below the age of three, children explore everything around them to attain mastery abilities, self-assertion, and independence (Douglas, 2002). Moreover, it is through playing and touching objects that children learn how to coordinate ideas and emotions, which later assist them in acquiring new experience on how to undertake different activities.
Nonetheless, while baby-proofing is essential for kids, opposing ideologies contend that parents should avoid being overprotective. Apparently, by teaching children how to follow instructions and avoiding touching dangerous things, the initiative protects them from accidents in the absence of their parents or supervisors (Douglas, 2002). However, it is quite difficult to reason with kids under three years old because they are not mature enough to comprehend ideas fully and can throw tantrums as soon as they are reprimanded. Therefore, although it is impossible to safeguard a home completely, at least minimal baby proofing is recommended.
As the analysis above indicates, baby proofing is required for kids under three years. In fact, keeping all surroundings safe protects a child from accidents that can lead to bodily harm or even death. Therefore, parents or caregivers should teach their children about the safe places they should visit when they want to interact. As such, parents should have confidence in their children, whether on their own or when they are away from home, because when properly guided, kids can recognize danger.
References
Douglas, A. (2002). The mother of all toddler books: An all-Canadian guide to your child’s
second and third years. Etobicoke, Ont: Wiley.