Electricity is dangerous to deal with, even for those with professional experience. When it comes to children, we have to be highly vigilant to ensure they are adequately protected from all your house’s electrical components. Since it’s impossible to have your eyes glued to them every second of the day, it is imperative to educate the kids about electrical safety to understand how to interact with the electrical devices in your home safely.
Kids are naturally curious. Infants stick objects in their mouths, toddlers pull items out of drawers or tear things apart, and young kids love to climb and explore their environment. It makes sense that electrical components like wires, plugs, and outlets would draw the attention of a curious kid, especially since they are so often near eye level for small children. Start educating them when they are young about electricity, and provide safe alternatives for them to explore.
Notice Their Needs
Children express their developmental needs through their actions–observing their behaviors can clue you what types of play they would most benefit from. For example, a child constantly climbing on the back of the couch or onto counters shows that their brain wants to improve their gross motor skills. You can then direct them to toys that fill this need safely, like indoor slides, a small trampoline, or a playground outside. A child constantly banging objects may simply need play that incorporates hammering motions–you can give them a kids’ tool box or bench with holes and items to pound through it.
Many kids are attracted to electrical sockets because they want to try plugging items in and pulling them out of the outlets or twisting and pulling on the wires. You can redirect their attention by giving them toys that safely fill the same kind of need.
Talk Honestly with Them
Things that are secret or off-limits tend to become much more tempting to little minds. Explain to your child that electrical devices are off-limits and why they are off-limits (in an age-appropriate way, of course). They need to understand that touching electrical devices can severely injure them and that they should never interact with them. Show them the toys they can use instead when they feel tempted to try and mess with the plugs.
Cover Electrical Sockets
Child-proof covers can be placed over unused outlets to prevent kids from sticking items into the sockets. Keep all outlets covered, and check them regularly to ensure your toddler hasn’t figured out how to pry them out of place.
Watch Videos and Read Books
Most kids jump at the chance to watch a video. You can find many helpful and age-appropriate electrical safety videos online that make learning fun for your little ones. There are great books that help explain the importance of electrical safety.
Come Up with Rules Together
Get your kids involved in making rules for your household about electrical safety. By having a say in the rules, your kids will be more invested and remember them better than if you simply came up with them and told them.
Promise Electric provides residential and commercial electrical services in the greater Sarasota area.
