by Elaine M. Gibson

Following a toddler around the house all day trying to protect the toddler and the house is exhausting and nerve-racking. The only communication between parent and child will be "No, no" and "Don't touch!" Both parent and child will be angry and resentful.

Parents at home have plenty of work to do and they need to be able to do it. It is impossible to follow a toddler every second of every day. Spanking hands and yelling "no" is not the answer. There is an easier way, easier on the parent, the child, and the house.

First, understand that his home is the first environment a child will explore.

If the child is curious and eager for new and different experiences, the child WILL explore. Someday this child may make scientific or medical discoveries that will change the world. Now however, he will explore cabinets, shelves, and every nook and cranny in his home.

Whether a parent knows their child will be into everything or feels confident that their child won't be, child-proofing a home is the answer to constant vigilance and ineffective punishment.

Given the fact that most toddlers will get into things, chew on anything, put everything in their mouth, and touch the rest, it is up to parents to create a safe environment that allows toddlers to explore and investigate their world.

I've heard the argument that toddlers have to learn not to touch and that parents shouldn't put anything up. I think such thinking is blatantly ridiculous, ignorant, and cruel.

The way kids are taught this "learning" is by being spanked, slapped, and yelled at until they are afraid to be curious about anything. Curiosity and wonder are too important to be stiffled in a child.

At the other extreme, I've also seen parents allow a child to destroy their home in order for the child to satisfy his natural curiousity. Such an attitude is also ridiculous. This child will think nothing of destroying everyone else's property as well.

There is an in-between approach that makes more sense.

When the child is too young to know the difference between touchables and non-touchables, the parents can eliminate as many of the "non-touchables" as possible. By the age of three and four, children can be taught HOW to touch and WHAT can be touched.

Fill your living spaces with things the children can touch.

In the kitchen, place pots and pans or Tupperware in a bottom cabinet and let the toddler play. It will be their favorite spot and their favorite toys. All other cabinets need child-proof locks.

Child-proof safety locks are the greatest protection device in the home and the cheapest peace of mind available.

The time spent installing them is well worth it. Dangerous substances, such as detergent, bleach, cleansers, dishwashing powders, medicines, vitamins, spray bottles of all types, alcoholic beverages, etc., should be behind locked doors. I know that using the products will be inconvenient but taking a child to an emergency room for poisoning is more than "inconvenient."

To keep a toddler out of a room, an inexpensive gate-latch can be attached high on the door and door frame.

It installs in minutes and offers protection for the room and the toddler.

Check electrical dangers.

Electrical outlets should be covered with heavy duct tape or inexpensive covers. Electrical cords must be out of the way or appliances and lamps WILL be pulled over. Never leave a toddler in the room with an unattended iron and ironing board.

Protect heads and mouths.

In the den or playroom, push the coffee table to the side of the room until the youngest child is at least two years old. If the room is crowded, wait even longer. Bashed heads and injured mouths are not worth having a coffee table where it is supposed to be.

Children grow up.

When the children are older, they can understand that some things need to be touched differently. Toys can be dropped. Glass figurines can't. They will have had years to explore and learn in a safe, kind, and humane environment. They will no longer be interested in chewing on magazines or sticking coathangers in electric outlets. Parents can unpack the box in the attic and put grown-up things back on the tables.

The children will have had their early years to explore and learn in a safe, humane environment and parents will have happy children with a sense of wonder and curiosity.