Raising a young child is like riding a seesaw, with you on both sides. On one side sits the Encouraging You, who wants to help your child to become independent and explore her world. On the other sits the Protective You, who wants to keep your child safe from harm. Finding a happy medium isn’t always easy. What’s a parent to do?

Limit Ups and Downs
Tipping too far in either direction is no good. If you overprotect your child, she will not be free to play and indulge her curiosity. If you give her too much freedom, you may risk her safety.

The key to striking a balance is this: Set up a safe space for your child; you will feel more relaxed, and your child will feel secure to explore. You can help your child feel safe and secure in this area by:

• Removing potential hazards. Get down on her level. Look under furniture and in bottom cabinets. Pay attention to sharp corners, hanging cords, fireplaces, windows, and tabletops. If you give her too much freedom, you may risk her safety.
• Making sure she can’t get to small things that pose choking risks. As a general rule, if the item can pass through a toilet paper roll, it is too small.
• Staying one step ahead. Distract or redirect your child from unsafe objects or activities. Substitute a safe toy or object for an unsafe one she may have found.  
• Keeping close, but not too close. Keep a close eye on your toddler, but don’t follow her every move. As a general rule, make yourself available to intervene as needed and take your cues from your child. Let her direct her play and choose toys as much as possible.

The Safety Net
No matter how hard you try, mishaps may happen as you ride the seesaw. But with your child’s safety net (you) by her side to soften the fall and prevent serious injuries, she should be back up and ready to play again in no time.

Special thanks to Rebecca Levin-Goodman, MPH, Barbara Hamilton, MA, Nina Sazer O’Donnell, and Don Shifrin, MD for the generous donation of their valuable time and expertise in reviewing this edition of Bits of Understanding.

Civitas thanks Parents as Teachers, an international early childhood parent education and family support program, for their ongoing support. This Civitas tool was adapted for the Born Learning campaign.

© 2007 Civitas