Day: July 18, 2012

Providing a safe environment for children is a never-ending task, and trouble often comes out of the blue – surprising even the most vigilant caregivers. Like those handy little detergent pods you bought so you wouldn’t have to bother with those leaky bottles and messy powders any more. But as you’ve noticed in the news the past few weeks, children are mistaking the colorful detergent pods for candy and are eating them. Nearly sixty children in the state of Texas alone were recently treated for sicknesses caused by ingesting these balls of soap.

With schools out for the summer, many parents depend on older siblings to keep an eye on their younger brothers and sisters while mom and dad are at work. These young people may be great babysitters, but may lack the experience to recognize the trouble items like these can cause. Parents cannot assume that teenagers will be perceptive and should, along with making sure cleansers and other harmful products are properly stored, coach their babysitters on spotting items that are potential hazards.

Churches could provide a service to their congregations and communities by offering babysitting and child-care classes.  Many parents, especially those in single-parent homes, often feel overwhelmed with all that is demanded of them and would welcome the assistance. If no church in your area offers these courses, contact your local Red Cross office. Babysitting classes are among the many they offer.