Here are some valuable suggestions for a safe Holiday. When it comes to toys and children, no matter how intelligent your child is, if you don't pay attention to what the toys are made of or what they do, you may be heading for disaster. We can't emphasize the importance of the following safety tips for you and your family to avoid any "Holiday Hazards".

ONE: When shopping for your children always check the safety labels     on toys for appropriate age. And then consider if the toy is appropriate for your child. Most labels indicate an age group, and if small parts are included that may be a choking hazard. But there are many 3, 4 and 5-year-olds who still put things in their mouths, so toys with small parts might still be a safety issue with preschoolers.

TWO: Electrical toys, battery operated toys, and art/crafts materials   that are labeled "adult supervision" need to be purchased with the understanding that they will demand your time and attention.   Batteries should be secured so little hands cannot get into the   battery compartment. And check batteries often to be sure they  haven't leaked.

THREE: Families with children of all ages need to establish safety   rules about keeping toys for an older child out of a younger child's reach, and about where toys with small parts can be used. This may be difficult for some children to observe, but is well worth the effort.

FOUR: Be sure to examine the construction of all toys, including stuffed toys. Check under and around the edges of plastic toys to be sure that they are not rough, sharp, or poorly finished. Check seams and tug at eyes and adornments of stuffed toys to be sure they are secure.

FIVE: Check instructions and read the fine print on boxes of arts and crafts toys, or food/cooking toys. Be sure that all "pretend food” is made with non toxic materials, and that art supplies are labeled as nontoxic. Be cautious with "washable" paints or markers. Although they may be washable, that may only mean when wet or upon immediate cleaning. From experience, I have found that "washable" finger paints and markers can stain clothes (permanently) and hands (temporarily)..

SIX: For some reason, "projectile" toys are becoming more popular with toymakers for both "boy" and "girl" toys. Many toys have flying parts that can damage eyes, especially in the hands of young children who can't coordinate their actions too precisely.

And speaking of "boy" and "girl" toys, many children's products are still gender-specific. They're usually dress-up for girls and  gunplay for boys. While certain toys may appeal more to either boys or girls, there is some middle ground where a gender-free  choice can be found. For example, choose a red trike instead of   black or pink. Both boys and girls enjoy pretend-cooking, so try to provide pots and dishes in primary colors, instead of  lavender. Girls as well as boys enjoy and benefit from construction toys. They help develop imagination and lay the  groundwork for an understanding of spatial relationships and math concepts.

Submitted By: Paul Manning