This information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical treatment. You should speak to your physician or make an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about this information or your medical condition. Exención de responsabilidad en Español | Complete disclaimer
"Don't go outside," or "Don't leave your yard." Until age 3 or 4 most children can't be trusted to stay in their yards. They may wander off and may be harmed on a street or railroad track, or in a pond or swimming pool.
Structure your child's environment so that you do not have to supervise him or her to prevent this misbehavior. Lock the outside doors to keep children inside. Leave them outside alone only if you have a safe, fenced-in yard.
"Stay on the sidewalk or path when you're walking with me," and "Hold my hand when we cross the street."
If your child starts to run off, catch him immediately. Make this a very serious matter and tell him sternly, "Never run off again." Don't let your child tease you about this, or allow running off to become a game. Say firmly, "That's not funny."
Praise your child for staying close to you.
Cross streets carefully.
Chewing on electrical cords, playing with electrical outlets, turning the knobs on the stove.
"Never touch that, because you can get hurt."
Give your child strong verbal disapproval. Don't let this behavior become something your child can tease you about. Also, put your child in time-out. Some of these hazards can be eliminated by using safety plugs or rerouting electrical cords. Since chewing on an electrical cord can cause severe burns to the mouth, you may wish to underscore your special concern about this behavior by slapping your child once on the hand.
"Don't play with matches. They can start fires."
Remove all matches from your child's reach. Consider teaching your child how to use matches properly after age 8.
Use matches appropriately.
"Don't climb trees or fences, because you can fall and be seriously hurt." You might specify that your child can climb certain trees after reaching an appropriate age, such as 6.
Time-out. To help your child through this phase, consider designating a safe place to practice climbing, such as on an old sofa or a jungle gym at the playground.
"We don't drive unless everyone is buckled up."
Immediate time-out. Don't start the car until all passengers have buckled their seat belts. As soon as anyone unbuckles, pull your car off the road into a boring place, such as a parking lot. Read a book until your child puts the seat belt on. Children usually want to go somewhere rather than sit in the car.
Praise your child for keeping his seat belt buckled.
Buckle yourself in.
"Obey the bicycle safety rules."
Logical consequences of not being able to use the bike for 2 or 3 days.
Praise your child for riding a bike safely.
Use your bicycle safely and wear your helmet.
