Lifestyle

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

Published

5 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

Houseplant Styling Mistakes to Avoid in Home Décor

Published

22 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Michelle Langton

Bringing greenery indoors can instantly elevate a space — adding warmth, texture, and a sense of calm. However, styling houseplants successfully requires more than simply popping a fern in a corner and hoping for the best. From mismatched plant selections to poor placement and neglecting scale, even the most well-intentioned plant lovers can make styling missteps. Before you dive into your next indoor plant arrangement, it’s worth understanding the most common mistakes to avoid.

Whether you’re new to indoor greenery or a seasoned plant parent, brands like Hello Botanical make it easy to find the perfect plants and gifts that complement your interior style — but knowing how to display them properly will make all the difference.

Overcrowding Your Space with Too Many Plants
While it’s tempting to fill every available surface with greenery, too many plants can make your space feel cluttered and overwhelming. Each plant deserves breathing room to grow and be appreciated. Instead of bunching them together, try grouping a few in varying heights or textures for balance. A single large plant in a corner can make a stronger design statement than ten small ones scattered everywhere.

Ignoring Light Conditions
Aesthetics shouldn’t be your only consideration when placing plants. Many indoor plant styling mistakes stem from ignoring light needs. Some species, like fiddle leaf figs and succulents, crave bright indirect light, while others, such as snake plants or peace lilies, thrive in low-light corners. Assess the natural light in each room before choosing plants, and remember that not every green beauty will thrive on your coffee table or bathroom shelf.

Choosing the Wrong Pot or Planter
A pot isn’t just a decorative accessory — it affects your plant’s health and your home’s design balance. A mismatched or undersized pot can look awkward, while one without drainage can cause root rot. Select planters that complement your home’s aesthetic and suit each plant’s needs. Neutral ceramics, woven baskets, or textured terracotta pots can enhance the overall décor while allowing your greenery to shine.

Neglecting Scale and Proportion
One of the easiest ways to make a room look unbalanced is by ignoring scale. A tiny plant on a large table can feel lost, while an oversized monstera can overwhelm a small living room. Consider the proportions of your furniture and space before selecting plants. Taller plants like palms or rubber trees add height and drama, while trailing species such as pothos or string of pearls can soften shelves and hanging corners beautifully.

Forgetting to Mix Textures and Colours
Just as you’d layer textures and tones in your furnishings, apply the same principle to your plant styling. Combining different leaf shapes, shades of green, and plant structures creates visual interest. Pair glossy leaves with matte ones, upright plants with cascading varieties, and bold tropicals with delicate ferns. A well-curated mix feels intentional rather than chaotic.

Over-Decorating Around Your Plants
Plants are statement-makers in their own right. Surrounding them with too many decorative objects — candles, vases, or trinkets — can detract from their natural beauty. Let the greenery breathe and become a focal point. A simple setup often feels more elegant and modern than a crowded display.

Forgetting Functionality in Key Spaces
While plants bring undeniable style, practicality matters too. Avoid placing trailing vines where they’ll get tangled in workspace cords or near entryways where they can be knocked over. Similarly, keep moisture-loving plants away from electronics and ensure any planters with drainage are placed on trays to protect your floors and furniture.

Ignoring Consistency Across Your Home
Houseplants look their best when they contribute to a cohesive theme. Instead of choosing random species for each room, think about your home’s overall design. Are you going for a minimalist, Scandinavian aesthetic or something more lush and tropical? Repeating a few plant types or pot styles throughout creates unity and flow.

Overlooking Plant Care as Part of the Design
No matter how beautifully you style your plants, unhealthy or neglected greenery can spoil the look. Regular pruning, wiping leaves, and rotating pots to ensure even growth are key parts of maintaining your interior aesthetic. Healthy, thriving plants add vibrancy and life that no artificial décor can replicate.

Forgetting That Less Can Be More
Finally, remember that plants should enhance your décor, not dominate it. A few strategically placed, well-cared-for plants can transform a home far more effectively than a jungle of mismatched greenery. Focus on quality over quantity, and choose each plant intentionally to fit your style, lighting, and lifestyle.

When styled thoughtfully, houseplants can turn a space into a peaceful, inviting sanctuary

Avoiding these common mistakes helps you highlight their beauty while keeping your interiors cohesive and clutter-free. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or curating a lush indoor garden, start small, observe what works, and grow your collection with care.