I’m constantly thinking about how dangerous our super-hot summers can be for children. Everytime I hear of a drowning accident, child forgotten in a car or other tragic stories, my mind spins and I know that I’m not immune to such tragedies. Remember Nora’s dehydration scare? The fear is very real.
But, I do keep these lessons top-of-mind on a daily basis and I’ve come up with a few habits to help keep our kids safe. Here they are:
1. Most precious cargo goes inside first – I am a born space-cadet. I come by it honestly, as my mom is also a bit on the spacey side. But, I work to combat this that where ever I go and whatever I’m doing, I get my kids out of the car first. That means all my stuff, my bags, my melting ice cream, my phone, everything all goes in the house AFTER I get my kids inside the house and safely into the air conditioning.
2. Check the back seat. I’ve made a habit of checking the back seat of my car when I’m getting out of it. I’m rarely without my kids, but when I am, I can’t help but feel like I’m forgetting something, so I check the back seat just in case.
3. Lock the garage door. There have been a couple times where Reagan has open our door from the house to the garage. It. Freaks. Me. Out. So, I do my best to keep that door locked so that she can’t get herself into danger while I’m attending to her brother.
4. The two minute rule. Ok, this one is a little bit high-maintenance, I agree, but now that I’m juggling another little one, it’s important. If it’s been two minutes and I haven’t heard or laid an eye on Reagan, I get up from what I’m doing (yes, even nursing) and I make sure that everything is ok.
What do you do to keep your kids safe during these hot summers? Any tips you can give new moms?
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Joy is the Co-founder of Scottsdale Moms Blog and absolutely loves living in Scottsdale with her hubby Kevin, their daughter Reagan (born August 2009) and their son Elliot (born May 2011). She is a lover of nature, a research analyst on all things related to life, a home manager, a crafty art-eest, Chief Marketing Officer for Cactus CrossFit, mommy, daughter and friend.
Joy, these are great tips!
I’m with you! I was so scared when Bay was tiny that I would forget her in the car – I made it a rule that when I or anyone else has her in the car, you have to put your purse, wallet, etc (something you will remember that you need) in the back seat next to her.
I love your two minute rule! We do that at our house too. I have my hubby convinced that if Parker is quiet-he is in some sort of trouble! And, usually, he is. When you are used to hearing yelling (and hoping for some peace and quiet) it is easy to think just the opposite. I think this is especially true for guys…most women I know seem to have a better tolerance for the noise. So PLEASE make sure to sahre this “rule” with the dads in your life too!
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