PAC F100 Instructions For Use Manual - page 21
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P a g e
Ways to Inform Parents/Caregivers that Childhood Injuries are Preventable
Barriers to Childhood Injury Prevention
1. Parental views about injury prevention (e.g., feel it is “just a part of growing up” or other
misconceptions)
2. Time pressures
3. Not understanding the real risks
4. Not understanding the stages of childhood development
Overcoming these Barriers
(Adapted by theDepartment of Children, Schools and Families, 2009)
1. Small and simple steps can help protect a child from preventable injuries. All they need to
know is what the most common and serious risks are, and the small things they can do to
avoid them.
2. Many of these steps cost little to no money and can easily fit into busy lives. These include
things like using a spill proof lid on their cup of tea or coffee and always strapping their child
into their car seat or high chair.
3. Explain that building small steps to safety into their everyday routine means that these
habits will become second nature and not forgotten.
4. Help parents/caregivers understand that babies and toddlers often make sudden
breakthroughs in their physical development, which can open up new safety hazards
around the home. Using the “What, So What, Now What”, strategy can help
parents/caregivers assess what new skills their child is developing and the steps they should
take to guide them in reducing their child’s risk for injury.
Room by Room Checks
It is important to complete room by room checks to make sure their home is safe for their child.
When performing these safety checks, encourage parents/caregivers to follow the steps below:
1. Put yourself at your child’s level
2. Use the “What, So What, Now What” saying to help you recognize any hazards or safety
concerns
3. Make the necessary changes or adjustments to keep your child safe. Continue to do this for
each room in your home; even the basement