The articles are filled with horrifying stories. Stories that kill you inside, just a little bit. Stories that make you want to lock your child up in a room with nothing but padded walls and mush to eat.
I realize that these articles are there to raise awareness. There are horrible stories out there because people don't pay attention to signs of heat stroke, or do tragically unthinking things like leave a child in the car "for a few minutes" or feed them chocking hazard food and don't watch them, or leave them unattended (or just don't pay attention) while they are in a pool...
I get it. Make people aware of the dangers to minimize tragedy.
But seriously folks, do we have to actually strike fear in the hearts of parents everywhere?
Like I need these constant panic attacks thinking of what "could" happen? As if these are not thoughts lurking in the back of my mind anyway? Must there be awful stories and DANGER! WARNING! DANGER! everywhere I turn?
How about this - if you are a parent, or taking care of a child at any time - do these things:
1. Watch them 200% percent of the time, especially around water, whether they can swim or not. 2. Read up briefly to see what foods are potential choking hazards for their age. For example, Under the age of three: Popcorn, whole grapes, hotdogs (even cut in round pieces) and anything round could be a hazard. Also, children under the age of three should be supervised when eating.
3. Knowing CPR is a very good idea!
4. If you are hot and sweaty, your child is even hotter. Children get heat stroke much easier and more quickly than adults. Keep them hydrated and keep them cool, even if that means pulling over during a road trip and hanging out for 30 min. in an air-conditioned building. Easy right?
5. Don't leave your kids or animals in a car, even with the windows open. It can quickly reach over 100 degrees. By quickly, I mean within minutes. Remember that heat stroke thing we talked about? So, just don't do it. It isn't worth it.
6. While it is not the best idea to lather your little ones (especially really little ones) up with sunscreen all the time, a bit of chemicals on their skin is better than a horrible sunburn. So, use good judgement. If you are going to a park where there is plenty of shade, they probably don't need to be lathered. Plus, that Vit. D is good for them. If you are going to the beach with very little shade in sight, well, sunscreen is your friend.
There, I have informed you of dangers, but not scared you senseless. Go forth and enjoy the summer!
