You have a baby on the way and you’ve 100% ‘baby-proofed’ the house — covers on each outlet, cabinets have locks, door knobs have grips, and there are safety gates at every doorway and near any set of stairs.

Now, it’s time to sit back and watch the babies grow into active young little humans who never really stopped running (or jumping) once they learned to walk.

But let’s get to that ‘child proofing’ for a moment. Raise the knick-knacks from arm’s length, move the tissues and toilet paper to a high shelf, and make sure the color markers are in a very high drawer (even standing on a chair, they can’t reach them), and move the cookie jar!

Not to worry, these kids are blossoming, and they are growing up content, busy, and safe!

Big sigh! But are they? Are they really safe now?

One of the older kids comes running down the stairs to say Jerome was playing in the sink with his water toys and flooded the bathroom, started crying, and was slipping all over the wet floor, and banged his lip on the sink. There is blood everywhere, Ma! 

A trip to the emergency room, and six stitches later, you start noticing there are problematic issues everywhere…EVERYWHERE.

Every Day Stuff We Miss

Sometimes, the biggest risks in the house seem to be things we stop seeing as hazards, yet they are there every day! Family life goes on as normal, and everyone ignores what they all thought was a hazard at one point or another.

Keeping your crew safe means you have to look at your home with fresh eyes. You can slip and fall even from the tiniest things (think Lego blocks); what you want to do is to ensure that a fall isn’t a tragedy and doesn’t require medical help at the E.R.

Most of the time, a tumble results in a bumped knee and a few tears. 

But sometimes, a fall can have serious, long-lasting consequences due to the force of impact or how a person lands. If a fall happens on someone else’s property, like a poorly maintained store aisle or a broken public walkway, it could leave your family member or you with a serious injury. 

In overwhelming situations like that, it can be helpful to understand your rights, choices, and options. It’d be a good idea to schedule a free consultation with slip and fall lawyers to get advice and support from professionals who understand how these little accidents can change a life. They’ll also advise you on whether you have a potential case on your hands – which can be highly beneficial for your family.

When it comes to your own home, though, be aware and vigilant. If you see a little water has spilled onto the floor in the kitchen. Take a beat. 

I know you’re cooking and helping with homework, and the kids are yelling that the dog needs to go out. This startles you, and you spill a bit of oil on top of that water that spilled, and suddenly, you have an invisible ice rink in your kitchen.

Jerome is running in his socks across the kitchen to show you his drawing, and you manage to stop him from sliding across the floor and hitting his head on the hard tile floor. 

You have a tiny little panic attack, and right there, you make a rule that spills get wiped up immediately, no matter how small. From now on, there’ll be a roll of kitchen towel within easy reach.

This is a good quick fix, but consider more long-term solutions like anti-fatigue mats in key areas where people tend to stand. 

This way, drips will be absorbed, and rugs provide grip for stocking feet.

Decorative Pieces That Aren’t Practical

You know that super cute tiger bathmat you got? Does it have a non-slip backing on it? If it doesn’t, it is a hazard waiting to happen (remember Jerome’s split lip?)

Look for mats that are certified as non-slip, and upgrade if you have to. Water in and of itself can be an accident waiting to happen on a tile floor. Put a slippery rug on top, and you have made a little sailboat. 

While we are in the bathroom, if you get non-slip strips or decals for the tub as well, that will help prevent falls from a soapy, slippery surface. 

These come in practical designs but can be cute and add decor to the bathroom as well.

The Obstacle Course By The Front Door

A home entryway can be a warm place to welcome guests into your home for family meals or entertaining neighbors.

Simplify the area by delegating cubbies for footwear and school bags and places to hang coats. Make it a standing rule that shoes aren’t to be left higgly piggly all over the entrance hall. Make sure no one can trip on them.

Before going to their own spots to play, make it a game that the one who has their things put away gets an extra ten minutes of screen time that night, or something like it. 

Setting a foundation for these habits will help them keep organized in the future as well.

The Wobbly Step You Have Grown Accustomed To 

Every time you go out onto the patio, there is one loose stone that catches you off guard, every darn time! 

Then, one Thanksgiving Holiday, your Papa is over and goes outside for some air and trips on the edge and takes a little spill. ‘Oh no, I meant to fix that! Are you okay, Grand Dad?’ 

Make a new rule that at least once a month, you do a check-up on the outside of your home. Look for chips in the pavement, wobbly boards, and steps, and fix them right then. 

It can be a family task; let the kids help, and they’ll learn some new skills in the process.

Conclusion

Establishing some rules to make daily living less hazardous in your home will help you rest easy, avoid injured toes, broken toys, and complete upheaval. 

Nip the chaos in the bud, keep a mindful eye on spots that can be overlooked. This’ll not only prevent accidents, but your home will feel more organized, more relaxing, and you’ll get on with the better things in life, like puzzles, bike rides, and basketball. 

Everyone will be thriving and will feel part of the responsibility for the care of the home.