Lifestyle

Biggest Threats to Your Child’s Safety and What You Must Do to Protect It

Published

6 years ago

May 25, 2020

Being a parent can be absolutely terrifying. That may seem a little harsh, but it’s absolutely true. We live in a world that is filled with many temptations, schemes, and dangers that try to lure us in at every turn. Trying to raise a child in the midst of all that can be downright horrifying.

That being said, as parents, we are 100% responsible for protecting them. When our children are young and defenseless, we’re the only form of protection they have. We’re also the ones who will have the biggest impact in teaching them what they can do, and what will be a risk for them, as they grow into adulthood. It’s up to us to make sure they remain safe, and learn what works, as they grow.

To do the job right, we have to be aware of what’s most dangerous for our children and do our best to mitigate it. You’ll never completely eliminate every hint of danger, and your child needs to make their own mistakes as they grow, so they will learn, but you’re their buffer between acceptable risk and a downright disaster.

With that in mind, let’s look at what you must do as a parent to ensure your child’s safety, and some tips you can use to make the job easier.

Biggest Threats to the Safety of Your Child

Influential Friends: Monitor Who Their Friends Are

Next to you and their teachers, your child’s friends are going to play the biggest role in shaping who they become as a person. There’s plenty of old quotes that speak to the effect of, “You become who you surround yourself with,” and that is absolutely true. If your child is surrounded by children who provide a positive influence, your child will be more inclined to grow up in a positive manner.

But the opposite is also true.

If your child is hanging out with friends who pressure them to break the rules, slack off in class, or try alcohol and illegal substances before they are mature, your child could be headed down a very dark road.

To help ensure your child is on the right path, get to know their friends on a personal level. Invite them to your home for a sleepover (with their parents’ permission) so you can directly observe their behavior. You’ll be able to gauge what kind of person they are, and better determine if they’re the kind of people you want your child spending time with.

Accidents: Always Monitor Their Outside Environment

There’s no doubt that, before your child was even born, you did a thorough inspection of your house and either got rid of anything that was dangerous or put something in place to keep your child from getting to it. That’s a very good first step to take, but your child won’t stay cooped up in your house forever.

The world outside your door isn’t set up with your personal safety, and the safety of your child, in mind. You know this, but it’s so easy to become complacent that it’s good to remind yourself of it, now and again, so that you remain vigilant.

If your child rides the bus to and from school, make sure you or your partner is there to drop them off and pick them up. If your child has to walk, make sure you know the route they will take, and walk it yourself to ensure that it will be safe for your child.

Even if you’ll be with your child while they’re outside the house, you still need to keep your guard up at all times. Reckless drivers, kidnappers, and pets that aren’t leashed are all potential dangers that you may encounter, and prevention is the best treatment in these cases.

If you ever do find that yourself or your child has become a victim of one of these factors, call the police, and educate yourself beforehand on the steps you can take to seek justice for your family. For example, Chad Stavley is a highly reviewed personal injury attorney serving the Portland Oregon area, according to Google reviews. A Google search in your location is a great way to pull up local lawyers and view reviews.

The Internet: Monitor What They See and Do On the Internet

Up until now, we’ve only discussed external factors that could either harm your child or get them in trouble. But a very real threat to your child, and one that is so common in the majority of households, is the use of the internet.

Internet access is all around us and unfortunately, we can’t always keep tabs on what they’re consuming mentally. In fact, a complaint was filed against Google for harming kids with misleading apps!

Things like social media, pornography, and chatrooms are all things that put your child at risk for mental damage. These things can cause sexually inappropriate behavior and low self-esteem. The internet also has the potential to set your child up to cyberbullying.

Consider setting times for your child to enjoy screen time. There are also apps you can download to your phone that connect with your child’s phone that allows you to keep tabs of their online activity.

Lifestyle

The Breakroom Reset: Small Changes That Improve the Workday

Published

11 hours ago

February 11, 2026

Michelle Langton

The office breakroom is a space that’s often neglected and can sometimes feel more like an afterthought than a key feature of the workplace. This is unfortunate, especially since employees typically visit the breakroom to rest and recuperate before finishing their shift. Considering its intended function, the breakroom should be viewed as one of the most important spaces in the entire office.

Having a welcoming and rejuvenating breakroom can promote social interaction, enhance workplace culture, and reduce stress. Employees who feel restored after visiting the breakroom are more likely to feel happy at work and be more productive the rest of the day. If your workplace breakroom leaves a lot to be desired, here are some small changes you can make to totally reset it.

Small Breakroom Changes That Improve the Workday

Unless your breakroom is in shambles and needs major reconstruction, you don’t have to spend a fortune on it to make it more inviting. In many cases, small and simple changes can make a big impact on the overall vibe of any space.

Whether you’re working with a limited budget or limited space, there are still plenty of things you can do to reset your boring breakroom. Here are some small breakroom changes that can improve the workday and give you maximum bang for your buck.

Convenient Hydration Options

Employees need to stay hydrated to keep their health and energy levels high. Unfortunately, many employees are chronically dehydrated because they don’t have access to tasty beverages at work. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to install a soda machine in the breakroom. Giving workers unlimited access to sugary drinks could backfire in the long run by contributing to illnesses and increased sick days.

Instead of offering sugary beverages (that can actually contribute to dehydration in the long run), make it easier for your employees to stay hydrated with pure water. Providing a filtered office drinking water system is one of the best ways to encourage optimal hydration. Most employees will appreciate the clean, tasty alternative to standard office tap water.

Comfy Seating

When was the last time you took a look at the seating arrangements in your breakroom? If it’s been a while, take a walk over there and give it a good look. Is there sufficient space for multiple employees to sit at the same time? Are the seats comfortable and rearrangeable so employees can interact with others or achieve greater privacy as desired? If not, you might benefit from a breakroom seating reset.

Seating arrangements in breakrooms should be both comfortable and flexible. You might want to bring in some modular furniture because it’s easy to move and rearrange as needed. For maximum versatility, seating arrangements should include a mix of traditional breakroom chairs and tables, lounge chairs, and even bean bags. Making the space as open as possible will also help it look more roomy and inviting.

Nutritious Snack Options

Most employers don’t provide full meals for their employees. It’s perfectly reasonable to expect workers to make their own lunch or dinner arrangements. However, if you want to support your employees’ energy levels, keep healthy snacks in your breakroom. Nutritious snacks can enhance employee performance throughout the day, so workers find it easier to get more done.

Instead of investing in chips, candy bars, and other sugary sweets, opt for snack options that won’t cause sugar spikes and inevitable crashes. Some great options include trail mixes, protein bars, fresh fruit, popcorn, and veggie trays. Instant oatmeal cups can also be a convenient source of energy for those who don’t have time to grab breakfast before heading to work. You might want to send out an employee survey to see what types of healthy snacks your workers prefer.

Optimal Lighting

Did you know that poor lighting can negatively impact your employees’ psychological and emotional well-being? Improving workplace lighting (including in the breakroom) can make a huge difference in worker morale and energy levels. Warm white light may be a great choice for the breakroom because it creates a soothing, calm atmosphere. Cool white light might be a better fit for conference rooms and cubicle areas because it enhances focus and energy.

Of course, natural light is arguably the best option for the office whenever it’s available. If your breakroom has windows, try to keep the shades open during working hours. That way, employees can experience the mood- and health-boosting benefits of natural light exposure.

Entertainment Options

Some office managers and CEOs mistakenly think that a breakroom should be boring to serve its purpose well. However, the terms “boring” and “relaxing” are not synonymous. Employees may find a boring breakroom to be surprisingly non-restorative. On the flip side, a room equipped for entertainment can be very relaxing and rejuvenating.

To make your breakroom a more enjoyable place to spend time, you might want to install a corner television. That way, workers can watch their favorite sitcom while they relax. You might also keep a few card or board games stocked in a cupboard for employees who prefer to interact in fun ways during their lunch breaks.

Reset Your Breakroom Today

Your employee breakroom can reveal a lot about your overall workplace environment. If it’s not lit well, or if it’s boring and unwelcoming, workers are more likely to feel underappreciated and discontented. The good news is that you don’t have to sink a lot of money or effort into resetting your breakroom and getting a fresh start. Use these simple tips to revamp your breakroom and make it a place where workers can go to feel truly cared for and relaxed.