Parenting tips to ensure your kid remains safe and healthy this Diwali

Diwali spirits are high in the air and everyone is busy cleaning their homes, shopping for new outfits, buying gifts for relatives and so on.

As we approach the joyous festival, it is important to note some important risks, especially if you are a parent.

With the wide use of firecrackers and burning candles and diyas for decoration, every year many people succumb to accidents and injuries during the Diwali time. Here are some essential tips to ensure you and your kids have a good time, without anyone getting hurt.

Toddlers are curious and hardly sit in one place. They tend to easily go out of sight in their quest for exploration. In Diwali time, it is important to supervise your little one, especially if they have a habit of picking random things and putting them in their mouth.

Make sure your kid does not come in contact with any source of fire such as candles, diyas, firecrackers, matchsticks. It is best to keep them away from your kid’s reach to avoid any accident.

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Mishandling of fireworks is one of the most common causes of accidents during Diwali. The best way to minimize any kind of harm is to avoid burning crackers. They just amount to a large amount of noise and pollution.

In case you still let your child burn crackers, make sure you supervise them while they do it. Make sure they do not get in close contact with any fireworks.

Discard the used crackers in a bucket of water. It is always better to keep an extra bucket of water ready, along with a first aid kit, to prevent serious burns in case of any accident.

Other important don’ts include:

-Do not light multiple firecrackers at once.

-Do not use matches or lighters to light up the crackers.

-Do not experiment with firecrackers or make your own crackers.

Your kid may be interested in being a part of the house decorating process, which is great. However, some activities, like lighting candles or diyas should be avoided. If you think your kid is ready to handle them, make sure you teach them and supervise as they do it.

Do not light the diyas or candles near curtains or any other inflammable materials. Ensure you place them out of reach of kids, so no one knocks them over and gets hurt. Electrical lighting should also be well taped and laminated for precaution and safety.

Children should avoid spending too much time outdoors, exposed to smoke and noise from crackers. Kids’ ears are sensitive and they may not be able to bear loud noises for long. You can make them wear light earmuffs and a face mask to minimise damage from smoke and noise. Excessive smoke can cause nausea, headache as well as risk of asthma and lung infection in some cases.

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Diwali time comes with dressing up your kids in the nicest clothes. But make sure the clothes they wear are not too loose or baggy or come with hanging fabric as these make them more vulnerable to watching fire, especially if they are out burning crackers.

Synthetic fibres should also be avoided as they melt on heating, sticking to the body of the person wearing them. Also make sure your child wears shoes instead of chappals while going out. Exposed feet can be vulnerable to getting hurt from the burning firecrackers around.

There are going to be lots of sweets and chocolates and other junk food items in the house, thanks to the spirit of festival and celebration. However, (and your kid may not like you for this), keep an eye on what they eat and how much they eat.

Eating too many high calorie and high in salt and sugar foods can lead to dental problems, increased cholesterol as well as digestive issues. Allow your kids to enjoy the tempting foods during festivities, just make sure they do not overeat.