NANA SAYS WE CAN'T KEEP CHILDREN IN A BUBBLE

No matter how patient or relaxed as a parent, everyone worries about their children. Near the road with bikes, little one learning to climb or a teenager driving off in the family car for the first time, we worry as parents. When little scrapes and bruises occur or broken limbs or trips to the Emergency room, well we worry. Sometimes we may have a thought to put our children in a protective bubble, but we can't. Not because we don't want to do it, it is because there is no such thing! Worry also alerts us to the potential dangers. Life jackets in boats or for little ones playing on docks at the cottage. Locked gates on backyards! But life happens and children need to find their protective instincts to survive! It's a good thing we all have "Mommy" messages in our heads. Perhaps there are some imaginary bubbles then! Helping children to learn about the dangers and to be alert. Remember most accidents happen in the home! So start at home with the little things and the big things will take care of themselves! Oh the joys of parenting and grandparenting, we just want our little ones to have a life!

NANA SAYS SPRING BRINGS SAFETY ISSUES

Being outdoors with little ones means reviewing the safety rules. Crossing the street1 Playing in the street! Helmets when riding bikes! For some reason we all become more relaxed with the warmer weather coming. Hats and sunscreen by the front door. Bug spray bought for the rest of the season. Teaching the little ones and big ones about the safety issues is paramount. And water safety! Life jackets in all boats. Continue to provide swimming lessons so children don't panic in the water. A work mate of mine said her mother is finally going to learn to swim! Are there areas in your life to be reviewed? Of course, don't talk to strangers in the park!