Smart Choices Safe Kids: An Educational Tool for Any Adult
Keeping kids safe from the potential dangers of substances such as alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, prescription medication, and other drugs takes the commitment of adults across Colorado. Smart Choices Safe Kids is a resource where families, friends, and neighbors can find accurate and helpful information on how to help kids grow and thrive through every stage of life.
You’re already doing a great job. How can the kids in your life be even safer?
No matter their age, it’s important for children to always be safe and protected in their environment. You’re probably taking steps toward safety right now– for example you may have household chemicals stored away out of your kids’ reach.
Regardless of the practices you have in place now, small changes can make big differences toward creating safe spaces for kids. Smart Choices Safe Kids is about helping adults learn how to manage children’s safety.
“You can start from anywhere and reach safety.”
Increase Safety When Dealing With Substances and Other Hazards
Safe Home Storage
All substances, medications, household chemicals, weapons and other hazards should be stored securely and away from kids.
Tip: All alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, medications, drugs and hazardous household chemicals (including detergent pods) should be stored in their original packaging and in a locked cabinet, out of sight and out of reach of children.
Smoke-Free Zones
Many health issues can arise for kids exposed to secondhand smoke from cigarettes, e-cigarettes, marijuana, or street drugs.
Tip: Before you step outside to smoke, create a plan for who will provide age appropriate supervision for your children.
Ensure Safety With Other Caregivers
It is important for anyone who takes care of a child to know how and be empowered to practice safe caregiving. When we all practice safe caregiving, it not only keeps kids safe in every environment, but also reduces the harmful burden that weighs on families of finding trusted caregivers.
If you’re a parent, you know that it can already be difficult to find a trusted caregiver for times when you can’t be with your children–and it can feel even more intimidating to have conversations with a potential caregiver about maintaining a safe environment when your kids are in their care. Smart Choices Safe Kids aims not only to provide you with the information on how to keep your kids safe, but also to empower you to talk with other people who will be providing care about how to do so safely and responsibly.
Choosing a Caregiver
Read these tips for choosing a safe, responsible caregiver for your child, as well as sample questions to ask potential caregivers.
Tip: Ask about substances: “If there is any alcohol, marijuana, or other substances in the home, how is it stored?”
“You have the right and the responsibility to have these conversations.”
Educate yourself on safety at every stage, then have a conversation with a parent, friend, or community member!
Pregnancy
Use Care: While pregnant, anything you eat, drink, inhale or are exposed to may affect the development of your baby.
Life with Young Kids
Safe Start: There are so many things to think about when you have young children. Here are a few tips to help keep your children healthy and safe.
Life with Growing Kids
On the Move: As children grow and develop, they become more independent and are exposed to a variety of new surroundings. Here are a few tips to help keep children healthy and safe.
Life with Teens
Be Aware: As teens begin to make their own choices and become more independent, your influence is critical in helping them develop good judgment, build healthy relationships, and prepare for adulthood. Here are a few tips to parent teens around these challenging issues.
Adult Life
Be Responsible. Whether you don’t have kids yet, aren’t planning on having children, or your kids are out of the home, here’s what you need to know to keep kids in your family, neighborhood, and community safe.
Want to Learn More?
Check out the Smart Choices Safe Kids online educational resource.
Smart Choices Safe Kids aims to serve as an educational resource guide for families, individuals, and professionals. It is led by Illuminate Colorado and funded through grant awards from the Colorado Department of Human Services Children’s Justice Act and the AJL Charitable Foundation.
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