Month: October 2020

Between the ages of 2 to 5 years old, children become increasingly curious as they want to learn more new skills that will allow making independent movements. However, the more independent and confident toddlers feel, the more adventurous they become; often unaware of the possible dangers or harmful consequences that could come their way.

 

It is at this stage when parents need to be more watchful over their kids. Toddlers and preschoolers often explore everything around their surroundings. Often times, the ideas that float in their mind come from what they see in older kids and adults with whom they interact.

In most cases, as we let them watch cartoons and other seemingly child-friendly hero movies, the lack of understanding of what actually transpires in the real world could prove dangerous to children at these ages. As a result, toddlers and preschoolers especially 5-year old boys tend to act brave and even fearless but vulnerable to harms and hazards.

Case Example of a 5-Year Old Kid Who Put HImself in Danger

A news item last month about a 5-year old kid in South Bend, Indiana was disturbing because the child took action by tackling an armed intruder. A footage of the home’s hidden video cam showed four armed men barging in, whilst pointing their gun at an adult woman and a teenager, while a 5-year old boy was left alone to stand and watch.

The teenager was old enough to know it was better not to resist, but the young boy didn’t. He fearlessly took action by kicking and pummeling one of the gun toting intruders. Fortunately, the armed men were not hard criminals because they immediately fled when the kid started making it difficult for them pursue the home robbery. .

Although many were amazed at the bravery of the 5-year old, it was also a wake up call for many parents and teachers about the importance of teaching children about the concept of danger. Even the South Bend Indiana policemen who viewed the footage were terrified, knowing that the incident could have resulted into something much worse.

The South Bend police also found it disturbing that a 5 year old thought that he can defend his home and his housemates despite his age and size.

Children 2 to 5 Years Old are Unaware of the Possible Consequences of Their Actions

Child psychology experts say that between the ages two and five years old, kids tend to overestimate the things and situations they can control. Mainly because they are unaware or lack understanding of the underlying danger that relates to their vulnerability as a young individual.

While parents cannot be expected to constantly hover their toddlers and preschoolers, or make their home a hundred percent safe, they must still strive to let their children understand about safety hazards and how to avoid them.

Let’s say for example that a father wants to buy his son a scooter because they’re trending as one of the cool toys for 5 year old boys, as a parent, he must rules on where and when to ride the scooter. At the same time, he should give easy to understand explanations that such rules are safety-related, and are similar to how adults have to follow rules when driving vehicles.