Stance: Studies on the Family

Smelling yummy cookies baking, watching mom do her hair in the morning, or plugging something into an outlet are frequent occurrences in a home. Accidents can occur during these activities, but with a few tips you can easily avoid burns or scalds.

• Don’t hold children while using the oven or stove. Instead, put them in a high chair or on a stool close by so they can see what’s going on.
• Be sure to unplug any curling irons or straighteners immediately after use.
• Cover electrical outlets so children cannot stick items inside.
• Be careful with microwaves. Some microwaves have hotspots that cause uneven warming; avoid them when warming up formula or milk for young children.

In the event of a burn or scald, rinse the affected area with cold water until the pain subsides. Then cover the burned area with a clean cloth without antibiotic cream on it. If there is any blistering, see a doctor to have the burn treated.

—Frances Avery, Editor, Stance

Often, young children are cared for at home by an older sibling for at least a few hours after school. More than not, the kitchen is the first place children go for a snack when they get home. Teaching children to be responsible in the kitchen should be a priority. By following these simple guidelines, keeping your kitchen a safe place will be easier: 

• Keep pot and pan handles facing towards the counter and not hanging over the edge of the stove. Young toddlers can reach up and grab the handle, pull it towards them and possibly spill hot food or hit their heads on the pan as it comes down.
• When opening and closing the oven, make sure there are no children in the way.
• Make sure children wash their hands when they are helping prepare food.
• Do not allow children to handle sharp objects like cheese graters and knives until they are old enough to properly handle such utensils.
• If you spill something, make sure you clean it up as soon as possible.
• Put child safety locks or guards on all lower cabinets so the possibility of getting into the cleaning products is decreased.

—Frances Avery, Editor, Stance

Are you pregnant and wondering how to dress up for Halloween? It can be difficult with a large basketball-shaped stomach. However, there are many ideas for “baby bump costumes” that we found online.

Some of my favorites are the costumes that use a normal shirt and decorate them with wording or images. Of course, I prefer the comfy and casual route. If you want something more unique (and probably slightly uncomfortable), go for the painting of your belly route. I have seen a few bumps painted as earths or caution signs.

As for my baby bump, my husband and I have decided to be superheroes. My husband is using a Superman shirt as part of his costume. We found a Wonder Woman pajama shirt that I will be using. And for the baby bump, we are going to attach a sign on my shirt that says “Super Baby.” We have high hopes for our attempts at a Super Family.
Halloween can be an extra fun time when you have an attention-grabbing bump. Have fun and be creative . . . Or just stay home in your sweats watching movies and eating your favorite candies.

Happy Halloween!

—Lexi Foster, Assistant Managing Editor, Stance