Is Your Child's Environment Child-Proof?

There are eight methods of changing unacceptable behavior by changing the environment. We have discussed four of the methods thus far:

1. Enriching the environment.
2. Impoverishing it.
3. Simplifying it.
4. Restricting it.

Now, we move on to the fifth method:

Child-proofing it

Child-Proofing the Environment

Although most parents remove medicines, sharp knives, and dangerous chemicals from the reach of children, a more thorough job of child-proofing might include such things as:

• Turning pot handles to the back of the stove when cooking.
• Buying unbreakable cups and glasses
• Putting matches out of reach.
• Repairing frayed electric cords and plugs.
• Keeping the basement door locked.
• Removing expensive breakable objects.
• Locking up sharp tools.
• Putting a rubber mat in the bathtub.
• Making upstairs screens secure.
• Storing slippery throw rugs.

Each family should conduct its own child-proofing inspection. With very little trouble most parents can find many ways to child-proof the home more thoroughly to prevent behaviors that would be unacceptable to them.

Happy child-proofing!