Effective Eye Contact With Children
November 10, 2022
Hey Everyone,
I remember my constant lack of sleep after both of our sons were born. It was very much a whole new level of tired. My routine was to get myself dressed, put my robe on over my clothes (an attempt to keep baby spit-up off me while I dealt with getting them ready) and then stripping off the robe to HURRY out the door.
I'll never forget driving to work with our firstborn in the back. I looked down and I still had my robe on! Total exhausted panic attack! At first, I thought I had forgotten to get dressed! Thankfully, I did have my scrubs on underneath my robe, but that's the level of tired I'm talking about.
Lifesaving Tips: When You Are Too Tired To Think Straight
Sadly, this level of tiredness is how infants/children can be forgotten in the back of the car. Devastating. The statistics on hot car deaths are alarming, and it's crucial to take steps to prevent such tragedies from happening.
So, here are three simple (and potentially life-saving) tips for all the exhausted parents out there:
1. Use Your Left Shoe
- BEFORE getting in the driver's seat, put your LEFT shoe in the backseat of the car.
- By doing so, you create a visual reminder to check the backseat before leaving the vehicle.
- Your chances of walking very far with only one shoe on are extremely slim.
It may sound odd, but this small act can make a significant difference and help prevent accidental harm to your child. Remember, when you're sleep-deprived and overwhelmed, it's easy to forget things, but a simple reminder like this can save lives.
Additionally, I want to emphasize the importance of establishing a solid routine and implementing safety measures to combat the exhaustion that comes with parenthood. Sleep deprivation can cloud our judgment and impair our memory, making it crucial to take proactive steps to ensure the well-being of our children.
2. Use Your Smartphone
Consider setting reminders on your phone or using apps specifically designed to prevent hot car incidents. Some of these apps send alerts if you've been in the car for a certain period or if the temperature inside reaches dangerous levels. Utilizing technology can serve as an extra layer of protection.
3. Use Your Support Network
Reach out to your support network. Ask for help from family, friends, or trusted caregivers who can share the responsibility of caring for your child. Building a reliable support system can provide much-needed rest and peace of mind, reducing the likelihood of fatigue-related accidents.
Remember, as parents, our primary goal is to keep our children safe. By prioritizing rest, establishing routines, and implementing preventative measures, we can ensure their well-being while navigating the challenging journey of parenthood.
Stay vigilant and keep your little ones safe.
That's all for now,
Laura
