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Expert Q&A

	By Nancy Phillips LeRoy Interior Designer Allied Member ASID

What type of childproof containers could you store shampoo and dishwashing liquid in?

Isn't it amazing that with all of the toys available today, kids still find big cardboard packing boxes, pot and pans, cleaning supplies, and all of the "big people stuff" so fascinating! KEEPING YOUNG CHILDREN SAFE IS THE NUMBER ONE ISSUE DURING THESE EARLY INQUISITIVE YEARS. As adults, we know this stage is frustrating and challenging for us to manage and it is also temporary. We need to accept that they are doing what they are supposed to do as children and what children have done since the beginning of time. We also know that we are smarter than the children and trust that we will be able to ""outsmart"" them, keep them safe and maintain our own emotional peace and sanity.

This probably means putting away for a few years all of those ""antiques,"" valuable wedding gifts and irreplaceable mementos. It means placing any cleaning fluids, cosmetics, medicines, paints, gardening solutions, tools, utensils, firearms, alcoholic beverages and anything else that is dangerous out of their reach and under lock and key if necessary. It means installing caps on electrical receptacles so curious fingers cannot be put into a receptacle. It means providing adequate latches and locks on doors and interior and exterior gates. Although I do not know of childproof containers, I know of childproof vanity and kitchen cabinet door latches; I know that although the standard place to store kitchen cleaning supplies and bath items is under the sink that I can change that standard and place the supplies in higher cabinets; I know I can keep medicines and all other dangerous items locked in a special closet and keep the key hidden from all children in the house. I know that my emotional well being and that of my children will improve if I reorganize my thinking and my house with the ultimate in safety as my priority during these very busy and challenging years. I know I can say to myself that I can do this, I will do this and I will succeed.

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