Parenting Young Children: Teaching Your Children About Potentially Harmful Animals, Reptiles and Insects

Now that Spring has sprung it's time for fresh air, outside play and sunshine. The kids spend more time outside when the air becomes warmer. We all spend more time outside when the grass turns green once again.

Spending time outside together as a family is wonderful. Having the kids play outside in the sunshine and fresh air is good for them. We all benefit from time outside.

Spring is the season of growth. The cold turns warm. The trees grow new leaves. The grass that turned dead and brown over the Winter begin to grow again as well. Everything greens right up. Nature comes back to life.

Nature includes more than grass and leaves. Spring also marks the end of hibernation. Animals wake up from their long Winter naps. Reptiles come out of hiding, and insects begin to bug us once again.

Although many animals pose no threat there are some that do. Families that live near wooded areas need to watch their children closely when outside. Parents need to teach their children about the potential dangers of wild animals. The best thing to do is to talk to your child. Communicate your concerns for their safety calmly. Never threaten or yell or make a very big deal of it all. This could make your children sacred of the animals or the woods. Simply tell them that wild animals are not like pets. They can bite. Let them know that they should never try to pet any animal that they do not know. They should go into the house quickly to tell Mom and Dad. Telling children this makes them understand. When a child is only told not to do something they are not receiving the understanding of why not to do it. Talking with your child provides them with that understanding. They will listen and if they are to see a wild animal they will know to come to you, getting away from it.

Retiles are loved by children, especially little boys. Frogs, snakes, and salamanders are among the most commonly "picked up" reptiles. Some are harmless. Others are not. Children need to be talked to about NOT PICKING UP any type of reptiles. Although some may be harmless there are so many that are not that parents must teach their children to simply not touch them. Parents really should research the snakes, frog, and salamanders that live in their local area. Many areas have dangerously poisonous reptiles.

Insects are the thing that bug us the most in the warmer months. Bees, ants, spiders, mosquitoes and various types of flies are the main pests. These types of insects love to hang around children. They bite repeatedly, with they exception of a bee. A bee can make a child cry, or worse die, if they are allergic to bee venom. Many children are. Bee traps and bee spray can be used to eliminate bees. Spray the nests at night when it is cool or cold. Deer flies deliver a nasty bite. They, and mosquitoes can carry diseases as well. The way to prevent most bites is to fist teach your children to walk slowly away from bees. Never to run. They will follow a child who runs from them. Also always apply bug spray or bug repellent lotion before heading outside. This will keep the bugs that bug your children most away and prevent bites. It's also a good idea for parents to talk to their children about not touch or bothering insects and other small creatures like spiders and beetles.

Enjoy your time outside safely this Spring and Summer. Talk to your children and explain to them that they should not go near, touch, or pick up wild creatures of any type. Knowledge equals prevention and protection. Thanks for reading and take care!