We understand that sometimes parents cannot leave children unattended at home, or if you are a single parent, it is harder to find someone else to take care of your children due to a hectic schedule. We also can understand that parent(s) would rather take care of their children than have a caretaker do it for them. It was indicated in previous posting (April 28th posting) that the legal ramifications of leaving children unattended in vehicles and the accidents that occurred related to this occurrence.
What to do?
Let us rewind back a bit to the past when we finally decided to settle down and to plan for children to enter in our lives. It was at that point in time when we would hold ourselves to be responsible parents with the arrival of a child or children. Fast forward to today, do we still hold our promise to be responsible parent(s)? Let us explore some ways in which we can spend more time with our children to avoid any potential occurrences that might endanger them.
Use drive throughs and delivery services: Convenience is one of the key words for parent(s). With demanding children at your side asking you the very same question everyday “What are we going to have for lunch/dinner mom? dad?” Due to the COVID19 and its variants, food delivery services option have gone from the back of parent(s) mind to option number one. Today, delivery services not only include meal options but also groceries. You can even set up estimated time of delivery for groceries so it can be tailored to your schedule. Why not? If you do live in a more rural setting and deliveries may not be as convenient as other urban areas, the next option will be more suitable for you.
Take your children with you: Yes, it may not be as convenient for most parents, especially single parent, but taking them everywhere do reduce the chances of unattended children both at home and in vehicles. It also let them realize that spending time together as a family is important. Children is not synonymous with the feeling of convenience, therefore, taking them out to do whatever it is needed can sometimes be more rewarding than staying home. Having a change of scenery for them can be exciting as they have the chance to go out and have fun.
Teach children not to play inside of vehicles: Parent(s) can never stop teaching their children about life, especially if there are potential dangers involved. This is also true for vehicles. Children at a certain age cannot understand the dangers of vehicles, and therefore, teaching them not to play around or in vehicles is critical to their safe being. It is a matter of life or death, and we do not wish to feel guilty or regret should anything happens to them. We do not ever want to hear “I should have told them…”.
Store your car keys safely: Remembering how you always mimicked your mom or dad driving when you are in the backseat and you always wanted to dream about driving when you grow up? Children are enticed with vehicles and they will do anything to get a chance to sit up in the front seat. This is why leaving car keys out in the open can be dangerous. Store them in a safe place so they are out of reach of children can reduce the chances of them going for a joy ride or even potentially locking themselves in the vehicle for a period of time. Do what is necessary to safeguard your children! The following are some more prevention tips for children alerting them the dangers of playing around with vehicles.
- Teach your children not to play with window switches.
- Teach your children not to stand on passenger door arm rests.
- Properly restrain your children in car seats or seat belts to prevent them from accidentally activating power windows and sunroofs.
- Look and make sure your kids’ hands, feet, and head, are clear of windows before raising the windows.
- Never leave the key in the ignition or in the “on” when you walk away from your car.
- If available, activate the power window lock switch so that your children cannot play with the windows.
Remember what you promised to yourself when you planned to have children: Be a responsible parent!
Text:
www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/child-safety
www.kidsandcars.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Kids-Alone-in-Cars-FACT-SHEET.pdf
www.edmontonpolice.ca/CrimePrevention/PersonalFamilySafety/ChildProtection/kidsincars
