Livermore: Learning Tree Tips for a Safe and Happy Holiday Season

It’s the most wonderful—and magical—time of the year with young children! We’re caught up in the excitement of the season right alongside our Learning Tree families, which is why we thought we might share a few safety tips to keep in mind to make sure your holiday is merry and bright!

1. Be a savvy decorator.

When you’re putting up your decorations, keep a few things in mind:

• Put breakable ornaments or ones with metal hooks out of reach near the top of the tree.
• If you have a real tree, be sure to water it regularly so that it doesn’t become a fire hazard.
• Before you put lights on your tree, check for frayed wires, loose connections, or broken sockets.
• Keep candles you plan to light out of reach and/or blow them out when you leave a room. Also store your matches or lighters out of reach. It may also be a good idea to avoid having novelty lighters that a child may think is a toy.
• Choose your holiday plants wisely. Keep in mind that some favorites of the season are poisonous. Mistletoe berries and holly berries are among those that can be hazardous (to your pets as well!).

2. Be a safe holiday traveler.

• Keep in mind that shopping center parking lots can be busier—and full of distracted drivers—during the holiday season. Help your little ones in and out of your vehicle safely and hold hands until you’re safely out of traffic.
• Ensure that your child’s car seat is ALWAYS properly installed, especially if you’re using an unfamiliar car, like a rental, during your holiday travels. Traveling to a different state this season? Check out AAA’s list of child passenger laws by state and for Canada if you have questions about local regulations.

3. Be a sensible and generous gift-giver.

• Watch out for toys with small parts that might present a choking hazard. This includes toys older siblings might receive. You might even consider finding a special (and safe) place or time when older kids can enjoy their gift away from curious younger siblings.
• Check the recommended age on the packaging for toys to know if a toy might be appropriate for your child.
• Don’t forget the batteries—both that you might need some for those new toys to operate and that they can end up in a young child’s mouth if they’re easily accessible.

With thanks to Safe Kids Worldwide for inspiring these tips.