Parent Engagement Tips February 2021

Parent Engagement banner that says Embrace Learning, Engaging Parents as Partners in Education, Parent Tip Sheet, February 2021

Preventing scalds and burns

To help prevent dangerous situations in the home that could lead to scalds and burns, read the following tips:

  • Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 1 metre around the stove;
  • Turn pot handles away from the stove’s edge;
  • Before placing a child in a bathtub, test the water: the water should feel warm, not hot; 
  • Teach children to stay away from hot things because they burn; help them identify things that can be hot and things that are cool; 
  • Keep matches, lighters, and other heat sources away from children;
  • Teach young children to tell a grown-up if they find matches or lighters and to never touch them;  
  • If a child gets a burn, treat it right away by running it under cool water for 3-5 minutes and get medical help for serious burns. 

Visit sparky.org to help children learn more about fire safety through games and activities. A parent page for more helpful information is also provided.

Unhelpful thoughts

Thoughts are just guesses. Just because we think it, doesn’t mean it’s true! This year, because we have been faced with uncertainty, it has been easy to entertain negative and unhelpful thoughts. Help your child reframe unhelpful thoughts with these two simple strategies:

  • Explore with your child what they are grateful for, big and small;
  • Challenge the unhelpful thought and replace it with a hopeful and positive thought.

Cleaning toys and technology

Regular cleaning and disinfection of high touch surfaces in the home is important to prevent the spread of germs. This includes toys and frequently touched electronics such as keyboards, tablets, cell phones, and controllers. How you clean your toys and technology depends on the type of surface being cleaned. Some toys can be washed with soap and water, then disinfected and rinsed. Others can be washed in the dishwasher or washing machine. When cleaning and disinfecting technology, make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions first.

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