Is this dangerous? - Page 2

[Jessy1019]

I've let dd plug things in since she was two or so. She has good small motor coordination and I never worried about her getting hurt. She was a good listener, followed directions well, and hasn't had any trouble or ever tried to put anything in the sockets other than plugs.

Letting them be independent and showing that you trust them is really important, like others have said. I think most kids are capable of way more than we give them credit for.

I'm sorry your partner had to interrupt your dd getting to experience something a little bit magical.

[slightly crunchy]

If it is just that she wants to light up the tree herself, why not get one of those switches where it stays plugged in but there is a little switch to turn them on and off. Safer.

We have one and even my toddler likes to turn on the lights. I still unplug from the oulet at night.

[MOM2ANSLEY]

Even if you are there with her if her finger accidently slips and touches the plug she will get shocked, soI would not do it, I like the switch idea

[edamommy]

it's my opinion that it's a BAD idea! But, my ds is a limit-pusher. So if we let him do it once we cannot be sure he will not try it again when we're not looking. So, it's a "grown-up job". Plus, he LOVES the movie shark boy and lava girl and the electricity bad-guy in the movie has given him a good healthy fear of "eltricidaaaaaad". lol

[wifty]

I just want to say how much I LOVE this group! I really needed input about this and couldn't find it in any book, and having a resource where I can find what is normal/not normal, has been invaluable.

We got a switch box so dd gets the responsibility of turning on the lights but keeps hubbies fears at bay. For the record though, if I was a single parent, I would continue to let her plug it in herself because she hasn't shown interest in plugging any other thing in and has been very responsible with it. Maybe next year.

Thank you again group! I can be a better parent by having all this input!

with smiles,
Rebecca

[melissel]

Originally Posted by MsChatsAlot

For those who think the covers means your kids are safe...be forewarned.

My friend came into the room and found her son had pryed them off with a screwdriver that he climbed up on a counter by himself to get and then was about to stick the screwdriver into the socket.

My toddler would SO do this, in a heartbeat. We have the plastic covers on, but I've seen her contemplating them, like she's trying to figure out just how they work

This is something I don't allow either, because I have, myself, as an adult, had my hand slip while pushing in a plug and I touched the prongs. I flew backwards about 3 feet and landed on my butt, and was dazed and sore for awhile afterward. If it's that easy for an adult to do, it's easier for my kids to do. And while I understand letting them do it while you're there, my DD would build so much trust in herself that she would also do it when I was NOT there. It's already happened with other things. "But I was being careful, like you told me! I won't have an accident, I promise!" I want her to trust herself--but not with some things, not yet.

[~*Trish*~]

I asked my husband, a licensed electrician, about this one, and he said, "No way should kids be handling plugs" -- even with parent supervision.

Like other posters, he thought age 5 or 6 would be an OK age to start with supervision. He brought up the risk of shock, but also, if a little one used the plug improperly (ie, left it hanging part way out) and you didn't notice, it could be a fire hazard.

He thought a switch situation was a good idea, but he's mostly on the "out of sight, out of mind" bandwagon.

Hope this helps! We are overly sensitive about electrical safety around here!

[Canadianmommax3]

Originally Posted by MOM2ANSLEY

Even if you are there with her if her finger accidently slips and touches the plug she will get shocked, soI would not do it, I like the switch idea

It has happened to me, not really paying attention and my fingers slipped forward ZAP!: didn't enjoy that feeling i can tell you!

[Glover_Girls]

I agree with ~Trish~. Plugs have just always been one of those things in the house that are off limits. My 4 yo dd has started to show some interest in plugging things in to help, but at this point, my comfort level won't allow it. I don't feel like I'm making her feel like I don't trust her but I do feel like I'm keeping her safe. There are other ways she can help and be made to feel like I trust her without. Chance of electrocution is small but the results can be devastating.

But that's just me. Everyone has their own comfort level and that's fine. It just doesn't happen in my home with any kid who might be there.