Accident Prevention for Children Between Age 2 and 6

There are several areas of accident prevention that adults must be cognizant and actively involved with when caring for children ages two through six. In order to discuss specific preventative measures, a review of physical development is key to understanding the necessary safeguards.

During the early years, as toddlers develop, they are initially top-heavy, with shorter trunks and legs. Genetic background, healthcare and nutrition play important roles in how this child develops physically and mentally. At this age, a child's mental and physical development is tied to the level of myelination present. This process refers to the coating of neurons which facilitates conduction of electrical signals along the neurons, allowing better communication between the neurons. This directly affects speech and motor skills. The left hemisphere of the brain, which controls speech, language and analytical thinking, does not fully develop until age three. The right hemisphere of the brain, which controls spatial abilities, recognition of specific faces, music and art abilities, does not fully develop until age four and a half. Brain maturation at this age directly affects the level of gross and fine motor skills. At this age, boys will physically outperform girls. At this age, with respect to fine motor skills, there will be a lack of muscular control, patience and judgment to complete a task. Their fat, stubby fingers also impede motor skills. Practice utilizing gross and fine motor skills will greatly aid development.

There are three specific areas of prevention which are referred to as primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. Primary prevention includes providing an all-encompassing safe environment in which this child is raised. This would include providing proper nutrition and the absence of maltreatment. With respect to proper nutrition, a toddler must ingest 1700 calories a day, 30% of which should be fat. Early tooth decay is also problematic at this stage of growth. Excellent and detailed oral hygiene should be encouraged. Often, if the preschooler is still using a bottle, for juice or milk, the sugar in the liquid contents can collect around their gums and "baby" teeth. Proper oral hygiene is key. Providing proper nutrition is key in protecting children of this age group.

Maltreatment, the intent to do harm to a child or failure to avoid a dangerous situation, includes both child abuse and child neglect. Child abuse can be physical, emotional and/or sexual. Physical abuse includes intentional harm, such as hitting a child or excessive corporal punishment, or avoidable endangerment, which includes excessively leaving children alone at home or failing to promote usage of helmets for outdoor activities as necessary. Emotional abuse includes the withdrawal of parental love or support, calling them derogatory names or negatively comparing siblings. Neglect includes to failure to provide them with basic physical needs, such as nutrition or hygiene. Sexual abuse is the worst form of abuse. Often, a close family member or family friend is the instigator and little girls are the most common victims. This abuse is extremely detrimental as the abuser violates the child's trust in adult. In many cases, the mother is also aware but fails to intervene. This type of abuse can lead to D.I.D. or disassociate identity disorder, or multiple personalities. Studies have shown that the hypothalamus is less developed in those children who suffered from sexual abuse. There is also a high correlation with eating disorders, particularly bulimia. Neglect is also part of this category. This can be intentional or circumstantial. The poverty level for a family of four is an annual salary of $20,000 or less. Regardless of whether the neglect is deliberate or due to inability earn a substantial income, the effects of neglect are still present. One in 70 children in the US is a victim of maltreatment, whether in the form of abuse or neglect. There are short and long term effects, such as depression, hyper-vigilance, elective mutism and academic delay. Providing an abuse-free environment is key in protecting children of this age group.

Secondary prevention includes any actions that would actively prevent a dangerous event from occurring. Improving physical conditions so that a child is safe, prior to an accident occurring. Examples include safety lights on buses, laws requiring stern punishment for drunk drivers, bicycle helmets and laws prohibiting the sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. Potentially dangerous situations should be anticipated and protection provided.

Tertiary prevention includes any actions that are taken after a dangerous event has occurred, in an attempt to prevent a reoccurrence. An example could include providing immediate life-saving trauma care, though provided after a tragedy has occurred. This is the drawback to tertiary prevention - the catastrophe has already occurred and measures must be implemented to resolve the damage that has occurred.

Protection of children in this age group is three-fold: primary, secondary and tertiary. Proper nutrition and the absence of maltreatment, including child abuse and neglect are included. Usage of bike helmets while biking or roller skating is part of secondary prevention. Ensure that these children play in a safe environment, with as little potential for danger as possible.