Safety Rules at Home for Children

The Basics

• Some fundamental rules can quickly be put in place and followed at all times, whether you are home, have hired a babysitter or have trusted the kids to be on their own. Three basics are no running, no throwing and no horseplay. Other rules that come under the condition that a parent be present are use of sharp objects like scissors or knives, use of the stove and use of the computer. Your child's age will determine what items he can use, even under supervision.

Small Children

• For very young children, make rules more stringent. Children under 7 should never answer the phone or the door. Young children should be told not to go outside the house for any reason or length of time unless they are with a grownup. Forbid young children from playing with water, or standing on chairs or other objects to reach items. Young children should never be allowed to touch electric outlets. All outlets should be covered with safety plugs.

Home Alone

• You need more strict rules for times when the parents are not home. Prohibit guests while you are away. Instruct older children on how to answer the phone when you are gone. Never tell strangers that no parents are at home. The same rule applies for online chat. Keep teenagers off the Internet when you are away.

Family Meeting

• To enforce your rules, call a family meeting. The formality of the gathering will underscore its importance. Write your rules on a large poster board. For smaller children, use pictures. Make clear the consequences if rules are broken.

Fire Safety

• The family meeting is an ideal time to discuss fire safety. Explain the dangers of playing with fire and what to do if a fire breaks out. Draw a diagram of the home with the exits clearly marked. Designate a meeting place outside the home for everyone to find each other. Teach your children that during a fire they should always check whether a door is hot before they open it, stay close the ground if they see smoke, and never hide inside the house. Finish your talk with a demonstration of the "Stop, drop and roll" method of extinguishing flames on themselves.