Parents can do many things to teach children how to behave and act safely.

Children have fewer injuries when parents and caregivers:

• Let children know (with praise and hugs) when they have done something right
• Play and have fun with children
• Make sure children follow their family safety rules

Parenting tips
Use these tips to make it easier for children to be safe:

1. Supervise children
2. Plan ahead and remove problems
3. Remove children from danger
4. Create and follow safety rules
5. Reward positive behaviour
6. Be a positive role model
7. Find fun things for children to do

When parents and caregivers help children to do the right thing, they are using positive parenting, also known as discipline. Discipline and punishment are not the same. Find out more about children and discipline.

Other Toronto Public Health programs and resources for parents:

• Nobody's Perfect
• Comfort, Play and Teach
• Growing Up Safely booklet
• Kids Have Stress Too!

Last updated February 2012