Childproof Your Home Office

Even if they don't work from home 100% of the time, more and more parents are constructing a home office for their own use. A home office gives you an opportunity to accomplish tasks from the comfort of your own home. However, if you have small children, the home office might be the one room in your house that you have neglected to childproof.

Childproof Your Home Office: Cords

Home offices have plenty of cords in which your children can entangle themselves. Computer, printer, fax machine, scanner and copier cords are a very real danger. Consider purchasing cord gatherers and surge protector safety covers to ward off curious investigation from the little ones. You can also tuck cords behind a file cabinet or shelf to minimize visibility.

Childproof Your Home Office: Outlets

Outlets make an interesting place for children to stick fingers, toys and utensils when they are playing on the floor. To avoid such a calamity, purchase plastic or rubber outlet covers for outlets that aren't in use. If your children are particularly dexterous, you can tape the outlet covers to the wall so they cannot be pulled free as easily.

Childproof Your Home Office: Equipment

Large equipment such as printers, monitors, keyboards and fax machines should be covered with plastic covers or towels when they aren't being used. This will keep children from playing with the equipment and possibly pulling something down on top of them. You can also buy safety straps or harnesses to bind large equipment to desks or tables so that they cannot be pulled off of surfaces as easily.

Childproof Your Home Office: Drawers & Cabinets

Children like to investigate drawers and may even decide to hide in cabinets. Make sure that cabinets are secured with childproofing devices - at least the ones that are at ground level. Drawers should be closed at all times and you might want to think about installing locks. That way, nothing inside can be pulled out and children cannot shut their fingers in the drawers.

Childproof Your Home Office: Paper Shredders

Although paper shredder slots look quite tiny, you'd be surprised what children can get themselves into. Never leave your paper shredder plugged into its outlet and make sure that it's out of reach on a shelf or cabinet.

Childproof Your Home Office: Supplies

Papers, pens, tape dispensers, staplers, rulers, calculators and markers are all potential hazards to children. Keep them locked in a drawer or stored on a shelf that is out of reach. Make sure that you never leave important papers and pens where children can reach them - disaster will ensue.

Childproof Your Home Office: Distract

You can distract your children from the treasures of your home office by setting up their own office in the corner. Give them a tiny table, a chair, a tablet of paper and crayons and let them "work" while you're getting things done. This will keep them occupied and allow you to watch them at the same time.