Kids have a lot of fun around the holidays, but it’s also when they find new and interesting ways to HURT themselves.  So here are five things to look out for if you have small kids . . .

1.  Ornaments.  Anything small and shiny is like a magnet for little kids.  So if you’ll have small children tearing around your house this year, don’t put any glass ornaments near the bottom of the tree.  Or anything that might be a choking hazard.

2.  Candles.  Make sure they’re high enough, or far enough away from the edge of the table so kids can’t reach them.  And the same goes for anything else that might burn them, like a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

3.  Christmas lights and garlands.  They can get wrapped around their neck if you’re not paying attention.  So again, make sure they’re out of reach.

4. The Christmas tree itself.  It has to be sturdy enough, so it won’t fall over if a kid starts yanking on the branches or something.

5.  Fireplaces.  A lot of kids show up at the E.R. with burns on their hands during the holidays.  But it’s not because they put their hand in the actual fire.  It’s because they touch the metal screen you put in front of it to block the sparks.

Have a safe and Happy Holiday and thanks for listening,

Cory and Jeni