As a parent, you want to create a home that helps your child feel safe. A nurturing environment can make a world of difference to children with neurodiversity and will give your kids a chance to express themselves.
However, the home contains many hidden hazards. Household cleaning products can cause serious illnesses, and hard floors can cause injury should your child slip and fall.
Safeguard your home by organizing your space and investing in home security. Proactive prevention can give you peace of mind while protecting your little one from unknown threats. Even small changes, like storing your cleaning products in locked cabinets, can make a difference.
Wandering Off
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be more likely to wander off and stray from safe spaces. This behavior, also called elopement, can put your child at real risk. Young kids who walk away from your home could be in precarious situations if you live near fast roads or dense neighborhoods.
Make some common-sense alterations to your home if you’re concerned about elopement. Start locking your doors and windows, and keep the keys out of reach. You can even install sensors that tell you when a window has been opened. If you’re still concerned, consider giving your child a device like a smartwatch to track their location.
Home modifications reduce the risk of your child wandering away. However, you still need to address the underlying cause of their desire to walk away from home. Some autistic children feel stressed at home and elope to reduce sensory stimulation. Speak openly with your child and determine if particular noises or activities stress them out.
You can also teach them to recite their name, home address, and home phone number if they’re still likely to elope. This improves their safety in an emergency and ensures they can find help when they’re away from home.
Hidden Hazards
You may need to reconsider your approach to interior design if you want to create a haven for your child. Some surfaces may cause sensory overload or cause injury should your child slip when playing around the house.
As a parent, you should also look for hidden health hazards that could undermine your child’s well-being. Common home-based health hazards like asbestos, radon, lead, and mold can wreck your child’s health and cause long-term illnesses. If you find any of these hazards in your home, bring in a professional who can help make your space much safer.
Consider making a few high-tech modifications to your home. Simple modifications, like setting your temperature control to a comfortable range, will encourage your kid to relax and help them feel secure in their setting. You can also install mood lighting and white noise music players to help make the space even more relaxing. Check in with your kid first, as every child reacts differently to noise and light.
Hazardous Home Cleaning
Keeping your home clean is important for the health and security of your child. However, your cleaning products may inadvertently risk your child’s health. Household cleaners that can harm your health include:
- Air fresheners
- All-purpose cleaners
- Dish soap
- Drain cleaner
- Laundry detergent
These products can be toxic if consumed. However, many products you use to keep your home clean look and smell like they might make a good snack. Minimize the risk of an accident by locking them in a secure cupboard well out of reach.
Pay close attention to your child if you decide to change your detergent. Some cleaners and softeners cause illnesses via overexposure, which may result in rashes or respiratory illnesses. Using too many harsh chemicals may cause sensory overload for your child, too, as a strong scent can make anyone feel sick.
Emotional Support
Safeguarding your home requires more than locking the doors and hiding the cleaner. A truly safe home should feel emotionally safe for your child, too. This will ensure that they feel comfortable at home and can communicate openly with you from the haven of their house.
Build an emotionally supportive environment by encouraging healthy habits at home. Take control of your child’s diet and find as many healthy alternatives as possible. Make sure they’re well-fed, too, as you may accidentally underfeed them when switching to a whole-food, healthy diet.
Providing emotional support for your child is all about responding to their preferences. Be gentle when suggesting new activities, and be prepared for setbacks when discussing your child’s needs. Consider signing up for behavioral support services that can help carry some of the load while you learn more about supporting your child’s needs.
Conclusion
Safeguarding your home can give you peace of mind and help your child feel safe. Even small changes, like locking the windows and buying soft lighting, can make a real difference to your kid’s quality of life. Follow up on cosmetic changes to your home by testing for hazardous materials like lead and asbestos. This will secure your child’s long-term health and help you build a happy home.
Household Chemical Storage Guide from SolvChem Custom Packaging Division, your first choice for any custom chemical blending 