Doing crafts with your children can be a lot of fun, but sometimes you’re so involved with all the fun, accidents can still happen. Today, we’re going to talk about DIY safety tips that’ll let you spend quality time with your children, safely.
Have you heard the quote “Collect memories, not things”?
Yes, your kids won’t necessarily remember the gifts they got for their birthday, but they will always treasure the time you spent together as a family.
Doing kids crafts is a great way to spend quality time together. However, whether you’re crafting with your kids or getting them involved with a few simple DIY projects, you must do it safely.
Accidents happen, especially with children. In fact, about 13 million people are injured due to DIY related incidents each year.
How can you spend quality time with your kids safely and without incident? Read on for our top 10 DIY safety tips when crafting with kids.
1. Be Prepared
Firstly, make sure you have all the needed materials and tools in one place. Accidents can easily happen when you’re running in and out of the room to find forgotten bits and bobs. And of course, leaving the room to get those last minute items may give your kids alone time with potentially dangerous tools.
Use child-friendly tools that are in good working order. For instance, avoid using anything that has frayed wires, dodgy plugs or broken mechanisms. Any tools that are not suitable for the kids, should be kept out of reach.
Wear practical attire. Don’t wear jewelry, watches or any loose clothing that could get caught up up anything.
2. Follow the Instructions
When you’re crafting with kids, following instructions is vital.
Always read the labels of any substances you’re using. Then you can be sure if there is anything toxic and how to use it correctly. Always take note of the expiration date too.
The same goes for tools. Follow all the safety precautions in the manual. Explain to your child what you will do with the tool, and how he or she should keep clear.
3. Use Common Sense
Before you begin, make sure you have enough time to complete the project. If you start rushing or pushing your kids to finish quickly, the enjoyment will be sapped away. On top of that, accidents are more likely to occur.
Never leave your children unattended with toxic materials or dangerous tools. Not even for a few seconds!
Keep distractions to a minimum. For instance, turn off the T.V. and radio. Don’t start a project when you’re feeling tired or under the weather. You need to be fully focused to DIY safely.
4. Keep Your Work Area Clean
Make sure you have adequate room to work safely, as cramped spaces can be hazardous to work in. Pick up things and tidy up as you go along. Remove rubbish and scrap pieces immediately.
Wash your hands, and make sure your little ones wash their hands regularly too, or you might find them licking paint and glue from their fingers.
Keep the area dry, as water can cause slips, trips and even electrical hazards.
5. Wear Safety Equipment
Our ability to see and hear is precious and should be protected when doing kids crafts.
For instance, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from dust, chemicals, and stray particles. You can get safety goggles for children too. Just make sure they fit your child comfortably, or they’ll be fighting to take them off.
Wear earplugs or noise canceling headphones if loud tools are being used. Cover your children’s skin if needed. For instance, get them to wear rubber gloves, long sleeves, and pants.
6. Beware of Toxic Materials
Whenever you’re crafting with kids, try to choose non-toxic materials. Avoid superglue and lead paint at all costs!
However, if you need to use toxic materials for a certain project, be extra cautious. Make sure the room is well ventilated, and head out for breaks in the fresh air regularly. Never mix chemicals, unless you know for certain it is safe to do so.
If your child has an allergic reaction (sneezing, watery eyes, dizziness, rashes or itching), remove him from the vicinity and observe. If his symptoms worsen, go to the emergency room.
7. Be Careful When Using Heat
Some kids crafts projects require the use of heat. Before you dive right in, judge carefully whether your child is ready to be present for these tasks.
For instance, a soldering iron or glue gun. Even adults have many injuries due to these potentially hazardous tools.
A good tip is to let your child practice before it is plugged in. Then you can decide if they can use it safely enough.
Always make sure there is a place to put a hot tool after use. It needs a safe area where it will not scorch or burn anything.
8. Keep Clear of Electric
Whether you’re using electrical tools plugged into the mains, extension cords, or just extra lights, use caution.
Make sure all your power tools are properly grounded. Turn off tools and unplug them when not being used. When you’re finished with them, put them away or out of reach.
Extension cords and multi-plug adapters can cause a fire if they are overloaded. If you’re using extension cords, make sure they are not causing a tripping hazard.
9. Keep the Room Ventilated
Work in a well-ventilated area. Open a few windows and have some fresh air flowing through. As fumes and dust can be dangerous in a small area, try to work outside if possible.
After your work is done, vacuum the space and clean up well. Don’t sweep the area as you may be causing toxic chemicals to be swept into the air. Use a wet mop to clean up any leftover remains.
10. Be Prepared for the Worst
Don’t think you’re immune to accidents. Even if you put all the correct procedures in place, mishaps can occur.
Have a complete first aid kit on hand just in case. Have the phone number of your local doctor, ambulance service, and poison control center ready in case of an emergency.
If you or your family member has been injured in an accident and you’re not sure what to do next, don’t worry, you’re not alone! Bond & Taylor’s injury lawyers have a fantastic team of professionals who are ready to assist you when accidents happen. Read more here.
DIY Safety Tips for Happy Crafting
It’s true, crafting with kids is a great way to bond with them. Creating something together can give your family some top quality time together. And if you follow these DIY safety tips, you’ll enjoy these moments without incident!
For more craft and DIY tips, make sure to look at our blog.