Children's Safety

Children's safety is a subject you might never think about unless you have your own or are suddenly in charge of one.

No matter if your current relationship to a child is as a parent, a child-care provider, a babysitter, a relative or friend; possessing some handy skills such as First-Aid and CPR Training (usually available at your local American Red Cross) are invaluable.

In addition, here are some affordable, comforting products to help keep children safe no matter the situation:

This Sampler kit contains the necessary child protection basics for the home:
2 Cabinet Latches, 4 Outlet Plugs, Cabinet Lock, Door Knob Guard, 4 Corner Cushions

Perhaps you're outside with your toddler and concerned about he or she wandering off and getting lost. There's an option to the child harness, which actually looks like a leash. iStunyou carries a child guard remote monitor.

This guard is worn by the child and the cartoon animal-shaped transmitter sends a constant signal to the receiver, which is held by the adult. The signal is adjustable - from a distance of 6 to 30 feet, so when the child goes beyond the set distance, the adult receiver starts to beep, letting them know that the child is starting to wander off.

In honor of Earth Day last week, here are some helpful tips on teaching children the value of learning 'green' habits. Such as turning off lights and turning off water while brushing.
http://childparenting.about.com/od/socialdevelopment/tp/growupgreen.htm

April Awareness

Children Learn What They Live
(Poem by Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.)

If children live with hostility,
they learn to fight.

If children live with ridicule,
they learn to be shy.

If children live with tolerance,
they learn to be patient.

If children live with encouragement,
they learn confidence.

If children live with praise,
they learn to appreciate.

If children live with fairness,
they learn justice.

If children live with security,
they learn faith.

If children live with approval,
they learn to like themselves.

If children live with acceptance, and friendship,
they learn to find love in the world.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and encourage individuals and communities to support children and families.

According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, research states these are some common risk factors associated with maltreatment (note, this does not always result in abuse or neglect):

1. Child maltreatment literature indicates that some maltreating parents or caregivers were victims of child abuse and neglect themselves. Research suggests that about one-third of all individuals who are maltreated as children will subject their children to maltreatment, further contributing to the cycle of abuse.
   


2. Research indicates there can be a link between substance abuse and child maltreatment. Substance abuse may be a contributing factor for between one-third and two-thirds of maltreated children in the child welfare system. The number and complexity of co-occurring family problems often make it difficult to understand the full impact of substance abuse on child maltreatment.
   


3. Negative attitudes about a child's behavior and inaccurate knowledge about child development may play a contributing role in child maltreatment. A parent's lack of knowledge about normal child development may result in unrealistic expectations and culminate in inappropriate punishment.

There are positive factors that can increase the health and well-being of children and families. These attributes help parents to find resources, supports, or coping strategies that allow them to parent effectively, even under stress. Research has shown that the following protective factors are linked to a lower incidence of child abuse and neglect:

1. A child's early experience of being nurtured and developing a bond with a caring adult affects all aspects of behavior and development. When parents and children have strong, warm feelings for one another, children develop trust that their parents will provide what they need to thrive, including love, acceptance, positive guidance, and protection.
   


2. There is extensive research linking healthy child development to effective parenting. Children thrive when parents provide not only affection, but also respectful communication and listening, consistent rules and expectations, and safe opportunities that promote independence. Successful parenting fosters psychological adjustment, helps children succeed in school, encourages curiosity about the world, and motivates children to achieve.
   


3. Parents who can cope with the stresses of everyday life, as well an occasional crisis, have resilience; they have the flexibility and inner strength necessary to bounce back when things are not going well. Multiple life stressors, such as a family history of abuse or neglect, health problems, marital conflict, or domestic or community violence—and financial stressors such as unemployment, poverty, and homelessness—may reduce a parent's capacity to cope effectively with the typical day-to-day stresses of raising children.
   


4. Parents with a social network of emotionally supportive friends, family, and neighbors often find that it is easier to care for their children and themselves. Most parents need people they can call on once in a while when they need a sympathetic listener, advice, or concrete support. Research has shown that parents who are isolated, with few social connections, are at higher risk for child abuse and neglect.
   


5. Many factors affect a family's ability to care for their children. Families who can meet their own basic needs for food, clothing, housing, and transportation—and who know how to access essential services such as childcare, health care, and mental health services to address family-specific needs—are better able to ensure the safety and well-being of their children.

All excerpts cited here, along with extensive information and resources can be found at the Child Welfare website - http://www.childwelfare.gov/index.cfm

Spring Safety

Spring beckons us outdoors where the cherry blossoms are blooming and the days are growing longer. In spring we celebrate Passover and Easter with family and friends. Students are on spring break.

Spring is a time of renewal. It reminds us of the hope we can find just as nature revives the green leaves and colorful flowers, seasons and circumstances always change.

These are challenging times and we could all benefit from being a little more mindful and resourceful.

We know while jobs continue to disappear and debts pile up, people are trying to make ends meet and do the best the can. As the dark, cold days of winter move into brighter, warmer days, there are some measures to help individuals and families be alert and feel secure.

• Always be aware of your surroundings


• Pay attention to gut feelings and trust your instincts


• Carry a personal protection item on you


• Take a self-defense class


• Talk with people you trust to share support and encouragement
  

These are some affordable options for home security products:

• For windows, you can attach a Mace™ Window Alert which is a 95 decibel glass breakage alarm that attaches to windows and set off by vibrations if someone tries to break through. Click HERE for more info.
  
  
• Dual Function Door brace – works on hinged or sliding doors. This can be used in hotels or vacation rentals and fold to fit in most suitcases. Click HERE for more info.
  
  
• MACE WIRELESS HOME SECURITY SYSTEM - This easy to operate security system will sound an alarm and dial up 5 preset phone numbers to let you know motion has been detected or a door or window has opened in your home. A land line with "tone" dialing is required. Click HERE for more info.

Go out and enjoy the beautiful spring days. Just remember to be aware and if it helps you feel a little more secure, consider keeping a little pepper spray handy. This tri-pack offers total pepper protection - for home use, in your vehicle, and a key chain to carry with you.

Welcome

The fact is – crime is real. We need to be aware that it can happen anywhere and to anyone. One solution that many people use to feel safe, is to carry a non-lethal defense product. Carrying a key chain pepper spray, TASER®, or stun gun in your pocket can offer protection and peace-of-mind.

The Women’s Safety Solutions Blog will provide helpful information on the products the iStunyou website carries, as well as share tips and stories so you feel informed and prepared in general. Women’s safety is the focus here, but iStunyou also carries a variety of specialty items including children’s safety; home security; even little safety lights for pets.