NANA SAYS LET'S REVIEW SUMMER SAFETY

When I write my Nana Says, safety is a regular theme. The warm weather brings many considerations for it. Water- partners when swimming. Everyone even the adults wear your life jacket when boating. For little children, put them on around pools and lakes at all times. Until children can swim safely, even a fun dock can be a death trap for little ones. The street-time for those rules on how to cross safely, don't chase your ball and drivers always slow down in residential areas. A good trick is to look for little feet under a parked car. Remember children can dart in the street for no reason. Keep sun screen and bug spray handy on all occasions. Most schools and day cares insist children have a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen anyway! Try very hard not to get a sun burn!  Playgrounds can be fun but be on the watch for those vagrants that may put things in the sand that could injure someone. Be aware of potential predators! Teach your child safety around strangers! Think about the fun and how to keep it safe! Review any and all safety rules with your children-especially the teenagers too! For adults, do not drive too fast as can be the mood on those nice days! Speed does kill! Nana just wants everyone to have a good summer!

THE WAKE WE LEAVE IN THE WATER!

Do you ever notice the wake left by a passing boat? There's a line of sorts. Little waves or ripples are made that fan out. If you are in a canoe, you really notice as the ride becomes bumpy when that boat passes. Sometimes the waves go crashing to shore. The scenery in the distance diminishes as the boat approaches new shores. Being on a boat on the water forges up many images and thoughts. Sometimes we all are just along for the ride or the captain of the boat steering its course. A little vulnerable as the vastness can make us feel small. If the ride is smooth we feel safe but if a storm were to arise, it would be a longer swim to shore than imagined. Knowing where the life jackets are kept or like my ride beside the life preserver, well just in case. I could enjoy the ride but I am always a little safety conscious! What kind of wake have I left in my boat of life? Did I make it bumpy for those around me? Did I steer a calm course, close to shore keeping others safey in mind? Did I remember to enjoy the ride? I have been on various "boats"- a cruise ship, several ferry boats in various parts of the country, canoes,  rowboats,  motorboats, flotation devices like a rubber tube and a sailboat or two, to name a few! Each one a different experience! Being on the water is so much different than sitting on the shore enjoying the view!

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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!