By Madison Voorhies

As summer approaches and kids gear up for camps, many parents are focused on sign-ups, gear, and transportation. But there’s something even more important to consider: your child’s safety. The U.S. Center for SafeSport recently released a Summer Safety Checklist to help parents ask key questions before sending their children to summer programs. These questions are designed to make sure the organization has policies in place to prevent and respond to abuse and misconduct.

“Asking safety questions helps to demonstrate one of the most important life lessons for young athletes: their well-being matters,” says April Holmes, interim CEO of the U.S. Center for SafeSport and four-time Paralympian.

The checklist includes eight important questions:

1. What are the criteria for volunteer and staff screening and background checks? 
2. How are program participants supervised during structured activities and free time? 
3. What kind of abuse prevention and response training do volunteers and staff undergo? 
4. Do you have policies that limit unsupervised one-on-one contact between adults and minors? 
5. What are the established processes for reporting and responding to abuse and misconduct? 
6. How do you communicate expectations about how program participants treat one another? 
7. What are the sleeping arrangements for program participants and overnight staff or volunteers, and how are they monitored? (For overnight programs) 
8. Is an adult emergency contact available 24/7? (For overnight programs)

You can ask these questions directly to a coach, camp director, or check the program’s policies.

Monica Rivera, SafeSport’s Vice President of Education & Research, reminds us, “Safety is not just the foundation for play and growth, but something every child deserves.” 

SafeSport was created in response to abuse scandals in Olympic and Paralympic sports. It now helps protect athletes of all ages through safety rules, investigations, and education. In addition to the checklist, SafeSport offers a free Parent and Guardian’s Handbook for Safer Sport, which helps families understand risks and create open conversations. Their Summer Playbook is also full of helpful tips.

At the end of the day, sports should be fun, positive, and safe. Before your child starts their summer activities, take a few minutes to ask the right questions, because nothing matters more than their safety. Learn more and access SafeSport’s full checklist at uscenterforsafesport.org.

The post Keep Kids Safe This Summer with SafeSport’s Safety Checklist appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

On a gorgeous day, my husband and I strolled down the sidewalk. We took in our surroundings, noticing the historic buildings, a bucolic setting, and undergraduates studying on grassy lawns.
“This is beautiful, right?” I queried our teenage son, 17. He was walking alongside us during the college campus tour.
“Yes,” he replied, with a bit more enthusiasm than I expected.
That’s when I noticed he wasn’t looking around at the buildings or noticing the landscaping. Rather, he was looking at a cute coed coming our way
Aha! This was just the first example of things that parents and teens see differently on college visits. As I learned throughout the rest of our visit, there are lots of funny but true mismatches between what parents and their teens see. Let me share the ways.

ICONIC BUILDINGS
What parents see: This is it! The iconic building named after the illustrious founder where my child will spend the next four years pursuing his passion. Look at that architectural detail. I can just picture my son going to classes here, getting brighter by the minute! Oh, the learning that will go on here!
What teens see: A building.

THE DINING HALLS
What parents see: Gorgeous, deluxe dining halls reminiscent of upscale food courts at a designer mall. We aren’t in our college cafeterias from the 90s anymore, that’s for sure. All of these gourmet choices look pricey, but it’s a blessing that our teen will have so many choices and the opportunity to be so well-nourished.
What teens see: Cool! They have Panda Express and Starbucks.

THE MASCOT STATUE
What parents see: A work of art, probably endowed by some renowned alumni. It is prominently displayed in the center of campus and makes the perfect photo opp. Son, how about a picture during this visit so we can compare how much you change from this day until (gulp) the day you graduate?
What teens see: Something me and my buddies will climb on and stick our fingers up its nose. It’ll make a great photo opp after that first college party our parents must never know about.

THE GROUNDS
What parents see: Lovely, manicured spaces where students can relax and recharge while plugging into nature. Oh, look at all of the black-eyed Susans and purple coneflowers! And how old is that giant oak? The squirrels are so cute.
What teens see: Grass. Trees. Squirrels.

THE STUDENT PARKING LOT
What parents see: This parking lot doesn’t look close enough to the dorms. Is it well-lit when it’s dark? Is there a shuttle back to the dorms? Is it patrolled by public safety officers? Where are the emergency kiosks? How much does a parking permit cost anyway?
What teens see: Cool! Freshmen can have cars on-campus.

THE BOOKSTORE
What parents see: Do you want a shirt or sweatshirt? I can’t believe my baby is going to college! This is where you’ll come to buy all your books next year. I bet they’re still really expensive. That hasn’t changed since the 90s.
What teens see: A store. 

THE DORMS
What parents see: This doesn’t look like a dorm, it looks like a hotel. Wait, did the tour guide just say there were no more communal bathrooms? Everyone gets a suite with its own bathroom? And each floor has washers and dryers that text you when your laundry is done? Wow, just wow!
What teens see: Dorms.

“Hey, Mom and Dad,” I heard my son say, interrupting my mental list of all the things that parents and teens see differently on college tours. “I could see myself going here.”
“Me too,” I said, looking around and picturing him on campus. My husband nodded in agreement.
Yes, I could see him walking past the historic buildings, grabbing a bite to eat at the dining halls, and living in the dorms. There was one more thing I saw though. I saw my heart on this campus next year. And perhaps that’s the biggest difference of all between what parents and teens see on college visits. 

Click here for even more College Prep articles from Cincinnati Family Magazine.

The post The College Tour Experience appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Dear Car,

Let me be the first to say, “Welcome to the family!” We are very pleased that you have joined us. You are very much loved and wanted, and we looked long and hard for you.

You were the right combination of price (cheap), condition (as good as possible), and safety (not exactly Fort Knox on wheels, but we tried).

Car, I hope you have thick skin—I mean, paint. That’s because you will hear some adults whispering about how they never had a car when they were young and how you are an extravagant purchase. You might hear some people pass judgment on our family because you are in our lives now. Don’t listen to them. They don’t know how much you are needed. Nor do they know just how old and tired you are or how many miles you have seen. 

You know, I am old and tired too. I’ve also seen a lot of miles. However, I think we both still have a lot of life left in us!

Car, I’m writing to you because you have a very important role in our family. 

You see, you will transport my teen driver in the coming years. I hope that you will function as promised, and when you can’t, that you’ll let me know promptly. In return, I promise I’ll fix you to the best of my ability and my wallet’s ability.

Car, there will be times my teenager will be less than careful with you. I apologize in advance. His father and I have told him over and over and over again how he is supposed to drive. He has passed two segments of driver’s education demonstrating how he is supposed to drive. He has logged 50 hours of supervised time behind the wheel, driving how he is supposed to drive.

But, I know how I am supposed to eat and that doesn’t stop me from indulging every now and then (curse you, Olive Garden breadsticks!). So when my teenager indulges in a stop too suddenly or he turns you too sharply, even though he knows he shouldn’t, please take care of him.

Car, not only are you responsible for keeping my teen safe and getting him to and fro, but you will also provide much-needed transportation for my younger child. 

That’s right—you will carry two of my babies as they go to school or practice. 

I beg you—keep my babies safe. 

You will also meet some of my teen’s friends and I hope that you get them safely where they need to go. And yes, there may be some things spilled, said, or done by my teenager and his friends that neither of us wants spilled, said, or done. 

Hang in there. I’m saying that for me as much as for you.

I also want to apologize for the stinky sports equipment that is about to make its second home in your trunk. I know it doesn’t smell pretty. If it’s any consolation, I’ve been toting it around in my trunk for a long time. You’ll be okay. Stinky, but okay.

I’ll look out for you, Car. I’ll watch for scrapes and dents if my teen—or the school parking lot—treats you too roughly. I’ll make sure he washes you and gets your oil changed. I know you’ll need new tires sooner rather than later (can we try for later?). Rest assured that I know how important your job is in the family and he and I will do our share to help you carry it out.

Thank you for waiting for our family. It seemed like we would never find you, but then we did. I’m hoping this is the start of a long and beautiful relationship. 

Love,

Mom

The post A Letter to My Teenager’s Car appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

April 1st is just around the corner. Life can get pretty serious, so why not take the day to partake in some silliness. We have rounded up harmless and silly pranks to pull on your kids— don’t be surprised when they prank you back! Enjoy the giggles and memory making together on April fools’ day and beyond.

Frozen Breakfast
Prepare the night before by pouring a bowl of your kiddo favorite cereal and putting it in the freezer overnight. Serve up the cereal in the morning and get ready for the early a.m. laughs.

Thick Thirst Quencher
Planning required: grab a box of  orange jell-o, prepare it and pour it into some clear glasses overnight. When they go to sip some OJ, they will be in for a sort-of-solid surprise.

Backwards Day??
Get dressed in the morning, with a twist. Wear your clothes backwards and don’t say a word about it to the kids. How long will it take them to notice?!

Not-So-Tasty Toothpaste
Swap out the typical minty paste for a shocking flavor like garlic or tomato paste! The savory taste will certainly be a shocker.

BOO!
Hear us out, a plain and simple startling boo is sure to get some laughs. Don’t be surprised if they boo! you back.

Balloon-a-Room
Just like it sounds, choose a small room and fill the ENTIRE room with balloons. It may take a minute, but it is worth it to see the kids eyes light up!

Stop Bugging me!
Grab a packet of fake bugs from the Dollar Tree and hide those little buggers around the house! Listen for screams and squeals all day long as they discover the creepy crawlies.

Ssseriousssly?!
Send them to school with a fake snake in their backpack.

… Text
For kiddos with phones… text them the infamous “…” typing dots and … wait … for … their … response …

Gum Shoe
Not literal gum, but placing pieces of double-sided tape on their shoes will lead to a bit of a shock. Once they put their shoes on and take a few steps, they will discover the silly and sticky situation.

Brown-E’s
Every kid loves an after-school snack! Tell the kids you baked brownies, and watch their annoyance and giggles as they grab some literal brown E’s. To achieve this prank, cut out brown construction paper E’s and place them in a pan, covered in aluminum foil. The kids groans as they peel back the foil is just too funny. Soften the blow and maybe have a real treat for the kiddos.

Candy Conundrum
Grab a handful of sweets to fuel the rest of the day. But the kids may not notice just from looking at the bowl, that this handful of treats is a prank… Mix in Skittles, M&M’s and even Reese’s Pieces for a sugary April Fool’s surprise.

Poop, There it is!
If you take a Cosmic Brownie, remove the candies and roll it in a log shape, it looks suspiciously like a poo. Pick it up and sniff it in front of your kid to see their absolute disgust at this prank.

Have a funny prank you want us to add to the list? E-mail amandac@frg.inc

The post Family April Fools’ Pranks appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Students spend 30–35 hours a week at school. They are challenged and they grow, both academically and socially, too. The drastic changes that happen in one short school year can be seen in those adorable first day of school photos compared to the “Wow, look how much they’ve grown up” last day of school photos that parents take! And teachers are firsthand witnesses to all of it. Having an opportunity to chat with your student’s teacher is like taking a peek into your child’s school life. Get ready for that window into their world; with a little bit of preparation, you can make the absolute most of a parent-teacher conference.

Stay In-the-Know

Plan for success from day one. Hold onto those first-day-of-school syllabi and refer back to them as needed. This detailed outline of the year can help students stay on course while clearly laying out expectations for coursework, grading and more. 

In regards to grading, many classrooms have up-to-date digital gradebooks which students, and their parents, can utilize to stay informed. Families can be mindful of their students absences and missing assignments, which could negatively impact a student’s grade. Of course praise can, and should, be given for good grades, but seeing a not-so-great grade is an opportunity to investigate what studying practices might work better the next time around. 

Already knowing how your student is doing in class takes away the element of surprise when it comes to the parent-teacher conference. It is true—knowledge is power. Having an idea of your student’s academic performance will allow you to sit back and listen to what the teacher has to say. Which brings us to the next point…

Listen

Really listen. Attempt to actively hear what is being said. This is easy to do when positives are being highlighted. Who doesn’t love a brag session on their child? If constructive criticism is being given, avoid going on the defense and coming up with excuses, or going on the offense and placing blame. Gather information and ask clarifying follow-up questions to confirm understanding. Teachers truly want their students to succeed and having an open conversation will allow for better collaboration between the teacher, the student and their guardians.  

Talk

Sometimes in life, what is going on at home can have an affect on how a student is behaving socially or performing academically at school. If there have been any major life changes that may be a catalyst for a behavior shift, take the time to inform your student’s teacher. Teachers may even be able to offer resources and guidance to help your student manage life’s circumstances while they are at school. 

Prepare Questions in Advance

Every child is unique. Their individual academic journey will shape the nature of the questions that may be asked during a parent-teacher conference. Some examples include:

-Is my student being challenged appropriately?

-What can I do at home to extend learning and support my child’s education?

-Would you recommend additional support for my student at this time? This could include gifted, enrichment or intervention services, speech therapy, occupational therapy, tutoring, etc. 

-What are my students’ strengths in the classroom, socially/academically?

-What should my student be focusing on to improve their school experience?

Day-to-day chats with your student can give you some insights about what life is like in the classroom, but parent-teacher conferences are a bit like being a fly on the wall where you gain even more insight about your kiddo. Take the time to ask questions and learn more about your child. 

Make a Plan

If teachers are meeting with many parents on a given conference night, individual parent-teacher face-to-face time may be time restricted. Be sure to ask for the teacher’s preferred method of contact and reach out in the future, if necessary. Also inform the teacher of how they can best reach out to you, if need be. Note: If you change address or get a new phone number during the school year, to update your students’ main office! Finally, if additional discussion time is being requested, throw out some dates and put it on the calendar! 

A parent-teacher conference has the potential to be stressful for the teacher, the parent and maybe even the student, too. But if everyone is prepared and does their part, it will run smoothly! Be informed, yet open, communicate strengths and concerns. Overall, create an optimistic environment where it is known that everyone is working together to guide the student to learn, grow and flourish. At the end of the day and at heart of it, everyone is truly on “Team Student”!

The post Maximizing Parent-Teacher Conferences appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate the ones we love. You might be gifting your special someone with flowers, candy, or a delicious dinner this year, but why not have a celebration with the entire family too? Here are a few traditions that you can begin with your kiddos.

LOVE NOTES JAR

Set up some slips of paper, a pen, and a little jar and allow everyone in the family to add a note to the jar, leading up to Valentine’s Day. These notes can include messages to Mom, Dad, or siblings about great things they have done or something they love about their fellow family members. On Valentine’s Day, gather together to open the jar and read the love notes together.

DATE NIGHT WITH THE KIDS

This is one you can do throughout the year with your kiddos. Have Mom or Dad take one of the kiddos out for a one-on-one date. If you have more than one child, you can plan multiple dates.  Let the child choose where you go, such as a museum, the movie theater, or a local entertainment center. Have their favorite dinner and finish the night with a sweet treat!

KINDNESS CHALLENGE

Show some kindness to everyone this Valentine’s Day. Encourage your children to do something thoughtful for someone else. Help someone bring their trash can to the road, make a Valentine card and share it with someone, give a compliment, or help someone at the grocery store.

PIZZA HEART NIGHT

Who doesn’t love a family pizza night? Buy pizza dough, marinara sauce, and all the toppings they could want, then have a create-your-own pizza party. Shape the dough into a heart or arrange the pepperoni to form a heart for an extra festive touch.

LOVE LETTERS TO THE KIDDOS

Write letters to your children and share them on Valentine’s Day. Include everything you love about them, their accomplishments, and small things they have done that have made you proud. Over the years, keep them in a keepsake box so they can look back on them and reminisce.

Click here to read about some sweet stories to check out with your little love.

The post 5 Valentine’s Day Traditions to Start with the Family appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

As a mom, it often feels like I’m juggling a million things, and there’s always that sneaky little voice in my head whispering, “You’re dropping the ball somewhere!” Whether it’s carving out enough quality time for each kiddo, helping with homework, or just being there to listen, I’m constantly second-guessing myself. But one area where I definitely think I could’ve done better is in the early education of my twins. I thought I was doing right by enrolling them in Moms Day Out to get them socializing, then PreK3 and PreK4 to get the academic wheels turning. But when Kindergarten rolled around, they were still behind the curve.

Then, I look at my sister with her little ones and think, “How does she do it?!” She started her kids at an awesome daycare, sure, but it’s the magic she works at home that blows my mind. I mean, my four-year-old nephew is over here spelling words with ABC-shaped chicken nuggets! Why didn’t I think of something *that* genius?! She’s constantly taking them to the library, and they absolutely *love* reading. Meanwhile, I’m just over here trying to find a moment to breathe. Time? What’s that? But I’ll take those sweet FaceTime calls where they proudly show off what they’ve learned. The joy in their eyes is totally priceless.

Being a mom is a pressure cooker of expectations. We want to raise the best, brightest, most compassionate, loving little humans. And that all starts with the basics. We’ve shifted our focus over the years because, honestly, the literacy rates are climbing like a roller coaster—and we can definitely help slow that ride down by starting early. If your little one knows their ABCs, basic sight words, and 123s, they’re going to start school already ahead of the game. And that head start is a big deal in helping them stay on track throughout their academic journey. Plus, it’s a win for everyone—helping literacy rates go *down* and confidence go *up*. 

As parents, we’ve got to do our part to support our kids at home, even if daycare or school does their thing. A little extra push goes a long way. So, let’s get back to the basics!

Happy learning, everyone! 

The post The ABCs, 123s, and Everything in Between! appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Summer camps are a rite of passage for kids. It’s a time to make new friends, try exciting activities, and gain a little independence. For parents though, the excitement often comes with the stress of packing. Making sure your child is prepared without overloading their suitcase can feel like an art form. Fear not! With this handy checklist, you’ll send your camper off with everything they need for a fun and memorable experience.

The Essentials  

Clothing:  

• T-shirts and tank tops (enough for each day, plus a couple of extras)  
• Shorts and lightweight pants  
• Pajamas (including a warm set for cooler nights)  
• Underwear and socks (pack extras–trust us!)  
• Swimwear (at least two suits)  
• A jacket or sweatshirt for chilly evenings  
• Raincoat or poncho  

Footwear:  

• Sneakers or closed-toe shoes  
• Flip-flops or sandals for the shower and pool  
• Hiking boots (if applicable)  

Bedding:  

• Sleeping bag or twin sheets with a blanket  
• Pillow with a washable case  
• Optional: a small, comforting stuffed animal for younger kids  

Toiletries:  

• Toothbrush and toothpaste  
• Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (travel-sized if space is limited)  
• Hairbrush or comb  
• Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)  
• Bug spray 
• Lip balm with SPF  
• Deodorant
• Pads and/or tampons (if needed–or just in case!)

Gear and Extras  

• Backpack or Day Bag: For carrying items like water bottles, sunscreen, and snacks.  
• Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is key!  
• Flashlight and Batteries: Essential for nighttime activities or trips to the bathroom.  
• Hat and Sunglasses: For sun protection during outdoor adventures.  
• Swim Towel and Bath Towel: Lightweight and quick-dry towels work best.  
• Laundry Bag: A simple mesh or drawstring bag will keep dirty clothes separate.
• Small Electric Fan: For long, hot days outside or a toasty and muggy cabin/tent.

For Fun  

• Stationery and Stamps: Encourage letter-writing with pre-addressed and stamped envelopes.  
• Books or Magazines: Perfect for quiet time in the cabin.  
• Small Games or Cards: Great for rainy days or downtime with cabin mates.  
• Theme Day Items: Check with the camp for special dress-up days and pack accordingly.  
• Disposable Camera: To capture memories all summer long. (Some camps may have photographers though to capture daily activities!)

What to Leave at Home  

• Electronics: Most camps have a no-screen policy to encourage unplugged fun.  
• Valuables: Expensive jewelry, heirlooms, or anything irreplaceable should stay safe at home.  

Pro Tips for Parents  

• Label Everything: Use waterproof labels or a laundry marker to avoid lost items.  
• Check Camp Policies: Some camps provide gear like sleeping bags or have rules about snacks and personal items.  
• Involve Your Child: Letting them help pack builds excitement and responsibility.  

By following this checklist, you’ll help your child feel confident and prepared for their camp adventure. With everything they need and nothing they don’t, they can focus on making memories that will last a lifetime. Happy camping! 

Click here to find a fabulous camp for your child!

The post What to Bring to Camp: The Ultimate Packing List appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

By Katy M. Clark

I grew up the middle of three girls, sandwiched between two sisters. Yup, I’m just like Jan Brady, minus the bonus brothers.

My sisters and I filled our teenage years with activities like sports, theater, and student council. We also filled them with Aqua Net, jelly shoes, stirrup pants, and princess phones. Living with sisters meant I was never exposed to the reality of life with a typical teenage boy.  

I think that’s why my teenage son constantly surprises me. There are so many things about having a teenage boy in the house that I didn’t expect or were just plain different from how I grew up as a teenage girl. Here are 20 things, both funny and serious, that surprised me about having a teenage boy.

1. How much he enjoys playing video games

This is his favorite activity to do once he’s done with school, work, or extracurriculars. I guess I thought he’d read a book or watch movies like me.

2. How much time he spends playing video games

Not only does he like video games, but he is content playing them for hours. And don’t get me started about waiting for him to wrap up a game to come to dinner!

3. How many rolls he can eat at a restaurant

He can eat a dozen rolls slathered in butter and then chase them down with a huge steak. It’s amazing.

4. How many rolls he can eat and NOT gain weight

This one’s not fair! All I have to do is look at a roll and my waist expands an inch. Yet my teenage son devours a dozen without a smidgen of fat appearing anywhere.

5. That he would find potty humor so funny for so long

I thought he’d outgrow finding bodily functions so funny. I thought wrong. 

6. That he never, ever wants to talk to me about girls

Not even a little bit. I’m ready with excellent advice should he ever bring it up. 

7. That I’m the embarrassing one, not his father

How is it that when my husband and I rock out to Bon Jovi it’s only me who mortifies our son? According to my husband, it’s a fact that all teenage boys find their mothers embarrassing. 

8. How bad he smells after working out or playing sports

The scent is strong, odiferous, and lingers on everything from sports equipment to the upholstery in the car. Yikes!

9. That he would know the name, number, college, and position of virtually every professional athlete

My son forgets to take out the trash, yet he remembers every statistic about the Detroit Lions’ 4th round draft pick in 2021.

10. That I’d be jealous of the way my teenage son talks about sports with his father

Maybe it’s because my husband, not me, also knows every statistic about the Detroit Lions’ 4th round draft pick in 2021. 

11. He rarely comments about my appearance, but when he does, I take notice

Recently he told me he liked my shirt, which was an old one from the back of my closet. It’s now my favorite shirt. Because my teenage son said he liked it.

12. That I have to look up to his face

At least once a week I do a double take as I gaze up at his face, towering above mine. Wasn’t he just a baby?

13. How deep his voice sounds

Just like his height, I’m astonished that such a deep voice is coming from my little boy.

14. How big his shoes are

His shoes are like aircraft carriers next to my rowboats in the mudroom. You could land an airplane squadron on those things.

15. How much he cares about his friends

He adores his friends and loves spending time with them. This one surprised me because I feel society doesn’t portray strong friendships between teenage boys.

16. That he cares about his hair

He might not use a plethora of products like I did back in the day, but he still wants his hair to look just right. 

17. That he answers text messages with one word

I get “Yes,” “No,” or “Ok.” I’m not looking for a novel, but a few more words would be appreciated.

18. That I’m so impressed by the man he is becoming

Seriously, I’m so proud of him, whether he’s holding the door open for someone, rocking a test, or just smiling at me from across the room. 

19. While I’m also still surprised by the child he still is

He leaves his dishes on the counter, doesn’t pick up his clothes off the floor, and I still take him to the pediatrician.

20. That I would love him so, so much, with everything that I am.

I’m not surprised that I love him, but I am astonished by how much I could love my teenage son. It’s with everything I am–and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

The post 20 Things That Surprised Me About Having A Teenage Boy appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

With Christmas approaching, your kid is probably excitedly anticipating all the new toys they’ll find waiting for them under the tree. Toys these days are super cool, with all sorts of advanced features and fun designs. But picking out a toy for your kiddo can be hard, especially if those aforementioned features and designs might pose a safety risk for your little one. Below you’ll find our top five tips based on the Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines so that your child can play at peace. 

#1 Make Sure It’s Age-Appropriate

Consider your child’s age, interests, maturity level, and physical abilities. While the small bricks of a building set or the mini accessories that come with a doll aren’t the best choice for young children due to choking hazards, older children typically possess better motor skills and awareness that will prevent safety mishaps. 

#2 Inspect Tech-Enhanced Toys for Security

Some toys have a lot of tech features, making it a great way for your child to feel grown up while still enjoying creative play. But be sure that the tech offered on the toy is kid-friendly. If the toy can connect to the internet, ensure that there are parental controls so that you can monitor activity. Look the toy over to see if there are any signs of wires sticking out, or eroded batteries. 

#3 Look for Sharp Points, Splintering, and Dangerous Edges

Wooden toys are making a comeback as people search for alternatives to the many over-stimulating toys on the market. They’re a great option for parents looking to encourage independent play, but the chances of splintering are higher. Check that whatever toy you purchase, whether wooden or plastic, doesn’t have sharp points. Nobody wants to pull a splinter out of their thumb or pull out the Band-Aids on Christmas day. 

#4 Check for Rust or Other Signs of Toxicity

Many toys have components that can wear easily if not properly cared for. Check the toy for rust, peeling paint, melted plastic, odd smells, and safety labels. The Consumer Product Safety Safety Commission at cpsc.gov is a great resource for ensuring that the toy doesn’t have any active recalls. 

#5 Watch While They Play

It’s a good idea to monitor your child when they play with new toys to see if there are any safety concerns you might have missed when shopping for them. Children tend to find creative ways to make an otherwise safe toy dangerous.

Toy shopping can be overwhelming, especially when trying to balance excitement with safety. By following these five tips, you can help ensure that playtime stays fun and worry-free for you and your child. Give the gift of safe play by choosing toys that are built to last. For more toy safety resources, visit cpsc.gov or consult with a trusted retailer.

The post Top 5 Toy Safety Tips appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.