In the United States alone, a child is injured from falling from a high chair every hour. Parents might be overprotective with their kids when it comes to playing outside the house, but hidden dangers can be also found in seemingly safe places for kids like playgrounds or even at home.
Bright Side gathered a list of all those things that might look safe, but in reality, can be potential dangers for your child. Keeping in mind that our treasured toddlers need our 24/7 supervision, this list will give you a heads up on what other things you need to beware of in order to protect your little ones.
1. Letting them play dangerous sports
There are numerous advantages for kids who are practicing sports, but there is also a specific list of high-impact sports that can be potentially dangerous for them. The “big 6” to avoid, as forensic pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu advises, are American football, ice hockey, mixed martial arts, boxing, wrestling, and rugby. During these sports, a child receives multiple blows to the head, which have the risk of exposure to brain damage, according to neuroscientists.
Also, high-impact activities can cause significant compression of the spine and hyperextension of the back that can lead to serious injuries. The repeated engagement in these sports can aggravate scoliosis over time. Squatting, lifting weight over the head, hard landings like in cheerleading, and long-distance running should be avoided.
2. Letting them sit in a W position
The W position is a really common way kids choose to sit when playing on the floor especially because it’s comfortable for them. However, it is probably the most dangerous position for children to adopt and doctors advise parents to discourage their kiddos from sitting like this.
Moreover, osteopath Avni Trivedi stated during an interview that this position has become “a new health epidemic” that can highly impact a child’s development in their leg joints and hip bones, weaken their trunk muscles, and place extra pressure on their back, neck, and shoulders.
3. Giving them tablets (especially toddlers)
Kiddos spend more and more time in front of screens, especially their favorite new toy, the tablet. Doctors warn parents to reduce “screen time” as much possible because of the blue light, a portion of harmful light that these screens emit.
Common symptoms of overexposure to blue light are headaches, neck and shoulder pain, dry or irritated eyes, but also psychological ones like reduced attention span, poor behavior, and irritability. It can also affect their sleep and wake cycle, making them feel tired and exhausted.
4. Letting them go down the slide on your lap
Most parents think that when they are on the playground with their kiddos, it’s safer to go down the slide with their child on their lap. Actually, this is an extremely hidden playground danger that can cause leg fractures in children.
As pediatrician Dr. Diane Arnaout explains, the parent’s weight pushes everything downward at a higher speed, so in the case that any part of the kid’s shoe or arm sticks out of the slide, the leg or arm could twist and break.
5. Playing the Chubby Bunny game with your kids
Chubby Bunny is a very popular challenge kids usually do with their parents, where they have to place an increasing number of marshmallows in their mouth while stating the phrase “chubby bunny” as clear as possible.
Even though kids might find it extra fun and tasty, since they get to consume their favorite dessert after the game is over, this is a dangerous challenge and several incidents of chocking have occurred.
6. Standing on chairs
This is one of the most common reasons for children’s injuries, especially among toddlers. Kids are unstoppable, and they usually want to climb everything, including chairs. Falling from high chairs, in particular, is the main cause of head trauma and concussions.
Specialists advise parents to strap their kids into meal chairs, not allowing them to stand up, and also to always supervise them because there is always a possibility for the child to kick off from the table and knock over their chair.
7. Playing in the dirt
Kids love to get all dirty playing outdoors. What needs to be considered carefully though is where they play, because digging and playing with dirt can be extremely harmful to children. The main cause is lead and it’s dangerous effects on our health.
Even though lead paint in houses has been banned, there are still places with peeling lead paint like barns, garages, and old housing. Children might be exposed to that from bare soil since lead has been found in yards that were near those places. Lead itself is a poisonous metal that can cause brain damage and life-long problems.
8. Jumping on trampolines
Many parents have installed trampolines, both big and small, in their yards and their kids adore them. This seemingly funny and innocent jumping apparatus can be seriously harmful to children.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ instructions, trampolines shouldn’t be in any home with kiddos. This is because injuries caused by jumping on them happen really often and include broken bones, head injuries, like concussions, and harsher trauma that can lead to permanent brain damage and even death.
9. Mowing the loan with them
Both pushing and riding lawnmowers are heavy and extremely dangerous machines and can easily harm a young child who will probably want to come closer and see how it works. From cases involving kids falling from dad’s lap and getting injured to kids getting trapped under the heavy machinery to having eye injuries from the cut grass, this is not something you want your kid around.
According to HealthyChildren.org, in the United States alone “more than 9,000 children go to the emergency room for lawn mower-related injuries every year.” Children should stay inside the house as a precaution and be sure that neighborhood children aren’t around either.
10. Climbing on outside equipment
Playgrounds are children’s and parents’ favorite destination, however, continuous supervision is needed in order for kids to return safely home.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 200,000 cases of children injured on the playground, some of which are fatal, end up in the ER every year in the USA alone. Most of them are caused by climbing. Even though it looks fun and athletic, climbing is one of the most common causes of falls and serious injuries.
11. Riding a bike without a helmet
It’s no surprise that cycling is one of the kids’ favorite activities since it gives them a sense of independence, freedom, and fun — exactly what they want. However, riding a bike can be dangerous when riding irresponsibly, especially for kiddos.
What applies to adults, of course, applies to children too. Wearing a helmet is the number one safety rule since it protects the head in case of a fall. Wearing one can prevent brain injuries and severe trauma. It is also important to never let your kid ride unsupervised. Cycling can be a great family activity, so be a good example and ride along with them with your helmet on.
We hope that this selection of potential dangers will help you and your kids enjoy a safer daily life. Are you an overprotective parent? What was the most dangerous adventure you got into as a kid? Tell us your stories in the comments.
Girl Claims She Sees Late Mom at School Every Day, Dad Shocked Upon Discovering the Truth — Story of the Day
Michael, a single father, was left with his 8-year-old daughter after his wife died in a car accident. He thought he was managing well and that his daughter was coping with her mother’s death. But one day, she approached him and said she saw her mom at school every day.
Michael mourned the loss of his wife, Simone, every day. Just a few months ago, she had died in a car accident, but her body was never found because she had fallen into a river.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
This left Michael alone with his 8-year-old daughter, Hannah. Determined to stay strong for her, Michael moved to another city to escape the painful memories that filled their old town. He knew Hannah had already lost her mother; he couldn’t let her lose him, too.
Hannah slowly adapted to her new school and even seemed happy. Michael, on the other hand, had to learn to be both a father and a mother.
He taught himself how to style Hannah’s hair, woke up early every morning to make her breakfast and pack her lunch, and even learned some ballet moves to practice with her at home.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
Simone had enrolled Hannah in ballet, believing she would be a great ballerina one day. Michael kept that dream alive, and it kept a part of Simone alive in her.
Today, Michael had finished work early and decided to pick up Hannah from school, a rare treat since she usually took the bus. He waited in the car outside the school, excitement bubbling inside him.
Soon, Hannah ran out of the school. Michael honked the horn to get her attention, and she waved cheerfully, sprinting toward the car. She hopped in, throwing her backpack onto the back seat.
“Hi, Dad!” Hannah said with a big smile as she got into the car.
“Hi, sweetheart. How was school today?” Michael asked, starting to drive.
“It was good. Everyone praised me for my math. All the work we did yesterday really helped,” Hannah replied proudly.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Hannah’s smile faded. “But Mom still ignores me,” she said sadly.
Michael’s heart skipped a beat. He hit the brakes harder than he meant to. “What do you mean, Hannah? Do you talk to her?” he asked, his voice full of worry.
“Yes, every day,” Hannah said. “But she pretends she doesn’t know me.”
Michael sighed and started driving again, feeling a heavy weight on his chest. “Hannah, your mom is in a better place now. It’s far away, and she can’t respond to you. But she hears everything you say and loves you very much.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source:Midjourney
Hannah looked confused. “What do you mean? She’s not far away. She’s at school. I see her every day,” she insisted.
Michael glanced at her, puzzled. “What? I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”
Hannah groaned in frustration. “Dad, what’s not to understand? Mom cleans our school every morning when I get there. But when I talk to her, she says she doesn’t know me. I think she’s mad because I want to quit ballet,” she said.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“You want to quit ballet?” Michael asked, surprised.
Yes. I don’t like it anymore. Mom wanted me to do ballet, but now she doesn’t even talk to me,” Hannah said.
“Hannah, you’re not quitting ballet,” Michael said firmly.
“I will!” Hannah shot back, her voice rising.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“No!” Michael shouted louder than he intended. Hannah’s eyes widened in fear. He took a deep breath and softened his tone. “I’m sorry, but you’re not quitting ballet. We’re not discussing this.”
“But…” Hannah started to say.
Michael cut her off. “It’s not up for discussion. Now let’s go to school, and you show me your mom.”
“She’s not there now. She only comes in the mornings,” Hannah replied.
“Then tomorrow, I’ll go to school with you, and you can show me,” Michael said, determined to understand what was going on.
“Okay, you’ll see I’m telling the truth. You don’t believe me now,” Hannah said quietly.
Michael sighed, his heart aching for his daughter.
For the rest of the day, Michael couldn’t find peace. His mind kept racing with thoughts of Hannah seeing visions of Simone. He had thought Hannah was coping well with her mother’s death.
She had been calm and cheerful since their move to the new city. But now, it seemed he was wrong.
The next day, Michael took Hannah to school and went inside with her. All morning, Hannah kept repeating that she wasn’t lying and that he would soon see for himself.
“Where is she?” Michael asked as they walked through the school corridors, his eyes scanning the halls.
“I don’t know. We need to find her,” Hannah replied, looking around anxiously.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
They walked further, passing classrooms and offices. Suddenly, Hannah shouted, “There! Mom!” She pointed at a cleaner standing with her back to them. Michael froze, his heart pounding.
From behind, the woman did look like Simone. Hannah ran up to her and gently tugged on her sleeve. Michael approached slowly, his mind racing.
When the woman turned around, Michael realized it wasn’t Simone. The resemblance had been uncanny from behind, but up close, it was clear she was a stranger.
“Oh, you’re not my mom,” Hannah said. She stepped back, her shoulders slumping.
“Unfortunately not, sweetie,” the woman replied kindly, giving Hannah a gentle smile.
After apologizing to the woman, Michael took Hannah’s hand and led her aside. “Hannah, this isn’t your mom. I know it’s hard to lose her, but your mom is in a better place now and is always watching over you,” he said softly.
“I know this isn’t Mom! I’m not blind,” Hannah said, her eyes filling with tears. “But she was here. I swear, I saw her.”
“Okay,” Michael sighed heavily, feeling the weight of her words.For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“You don’t believe me!” Hannah shouted, her voice echoing in the hallway. “Mom always believed me!” She turned and ran away from Michael.“Hannah!” he called after her, but she kept running, her small figure disappearing down the hall.
Michael returned to his car, feeling a deep sense of guilt. He knew Hannah and Simone had a special bond. He realized he could never replace her mother, but he would try his best to be there for his daughter.
Michael took time off work and scheduled an appointment with a psychologist for Hannah that very day after school. He picked her up and explained, “We’re going to see a lady you can talk to about anything. She’s here to help.”
Hannah crossed her arms and frowned, still angry with Michael. “I don’t want to talk to anyone,” she muttered.
“I know you’re upset, but this might help,” Michael said gently as they drove to the psychologist’s office.
When they arrived, the psychologist greeted them warmly. “Hi, Hannah. I’m Dr. Stevens. Would you like to come with me?” she asked with a kind smile.
Hannah glanced at Michael, then reluctantly followed Dr. Stevens.
After an hour, Dr. Stevens came out to talk to Michael. She looked thoughtful and serious.
“How did it go?” Michael asked, his voice filled with concern.
Dr. Stevens smiled reassuringly. “I don’t see any signs of psychological issues. I don’t think she’s lying. Hannah genuinely believes she sees her mother at school.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
Michael frowned. “But that’s impossible. Her mother is dead.”
“I understand,” Dr. Stevens said, nodding. “But everyone grieves in their own way. Hannah might not be ready to let go of her mother. She could be seeing her in others.”
“What should I do?” Michael asked, feeling lost.
“Support her. Believe her,” Dr. Stevens advised. “She’s not lying to you. This is her reality right now.”
Michael nodded, taking a deep breath. “Okay, thank you.”
He picked up Hannah, and they headed home. On the way, he glanced at her, noticing she seemed a bit calmer, less angry. He hoped this was a step in the right direction.
The next day, Michael took Hannah to school again. As they arrived, her teacher approached his car. “I have some of Hannah’s drawings to show you,” the teacher said.
Michael got out of the car, curious. “Sure, let’s see them,” he replied, following the teacher.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
The teacher handed him a stack of drawings. Michael flipped through them, astonished. “These are amazing. I didn’t know Hannah could draw like this,” he said, feeling a swell of pride.
“She has real talent,” the teacher agreed.
Michael thanked the teacher and continued to look at the drawings as he walked into the hallway. He was so absorbed that he almost didn’t notice what was in front of him.
When he looked up, his heart nearly stopped. Standing there was Simone. Michael felt like he had forgotten how to breathe; his heart raced, and he couldn’t move.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Just then, Hannah ran out of her classroom, her face lighting up when she saw the woman.
“Mom!” Hannah shouted, running towards the woman who looked exactly like her late mother. She turned to Michael with a triumphant smile. “I told you I was telling the truth.”
Michael stood frozen, his mind reeling. “Uh-huh,” he mumbled, unable to form any other words.
The teacher called Hannah back, and she reluctantly returned to her classroom. Michael, still in shock, slowly approached the woman. “Simone?” he asked, his voice shaking.
The woman looked at him, clearly confused. “Excuse me?” she said.
“Simone, is it really you?” Michael asked again, his heart pounding.
“I’m sorry, sir, but my name is Evelyn,” the woman replied firmly.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Sorry, I didn’t hear you,” Evelyn said, still looking puzzled
How is this possible? How did you end up here?” Michael asked.
“Sir, I really don’t understand what you’re talking about. I’ve never seen you before in my life. I think you must be mistaking me for someone else. I need to get back to work,” Evelyn said, turning to leave.
“You have a tattoo on your shoulder!” Michael shouted, desperate. Evelyn stopped in her tracks, frozen. “A chrysanthemum,” he added.
Evelyn turned around slowly, her eyes wide with surprise. “How do you know that?”
“You got it when Hannah was born. Hannah Chrysanthemum, that’s the name of the flower on your shoulder. You joked that even if Hannah grew up and forgot about you, the flower would always be with you,” Michael explained.
“Listen, this is very strange, and it’s scaring me,” she said, her eyes darting around nervously.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“I also wanted to get that tattoo but was too scared. You were always braver than me,” Michael said.
“How do you know what tattoo I have? Have you been following me? First, that strange girl calls me her mother, and now you. I’m going to go crazy,” Evelyn said, her voice rising with fear.
“Please, let me explain everything. Will you have coffee with me?” Michael asked, his eyes pleading.
“I need to finish my work,” Evelyn replied, still looking wary.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“I’ll wait for you outside,” Michael said, hoping she would agree.
Michael went outside and leaned against his car, his mind racing. He couldn’t believe this was real. After some time, Simone came out of the school and hesitantly approached him.
“Ready to go?” Michael asked softly.
Simone nodded, and they got into the car, driving to the nearest café. They ordered coffee. Black. Michael smiled, remembering how Simone always hated coffee with sugar or cream.
When their order arrived, Michael took a deep breath. “I need to tell you something. We were married, and we have a daughter named Hannah.”
Simone looked confused but listened intently. “I don’t remember any of that,” she said softly. “Fishermen found me on the riverbank. They let me live with them, but I couldn’t remember anything about my life, not even my name. I chose the name Evelyn, but I don’t know why.”
Michael’s eyes softened. “We wanted to name our next daughter Evelyn,” he explained.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
Simone’s eyes widened. “Really?”
Michael nodded. “Yes. Hannah and I would love for you to come home with us. You don’t have to decide now, but think about it.”Simone looked down at her coffee. “Okay, I’ll come with you. But I still don’t remember anything.”
Michael smiled gently. “That’s alright. We can figure it out together.”Simone had been living with Michael and Hannah for a week. Hannah was very happy and constantly reminded Michael that she had been right.
Simone was also trying to adjust to her new life. Although she still couldn’t remember anything from before, she was trying her best to fit in.
Michael decided they should sleep in separate rooms for now. He wanted Simone to feel comfortable and not pressured.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Today, after breakfast, Simone was finishing her coffee at the table while Michael washed the dishes. Hannah approached Simone with a serious look on her face.
“Mom, will you be mad at me if I quit ballet?” Hannah asked.
“Why would I be mad at you?” she asked, glancing at Michael, who stopped washing dishes to listen.
“You liked watching me dance. You wanted me to be a ballerina,” Hannah said quietly.
Simone smiled gently. “And what do you want to do?” she asked.
Hannah’s face lit up. “I want to draw!”
“Then you should draw,” Simone said. She turned to Michael. “Do you think we could enroll her in an art school?”
Michael smiled warmly. “Yes, definitely,” he replied.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Yay!” Hannah shouted. She hugged Simone tightly, then ran to Michael and hugged him before dashing off to her room.
Simone watched her go, then cautiously approached Michael, holding her coffee cup. “Let me wash this,” she offered.
Michael took the cup from her hands. “It’s okay, I’ll wash it,” he said with a smile. Simone smiled back but didn’t move away. She continued to stand there, watching him.
“Is everything okay?” Michael asked, noticing her hesitation.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Yes,” Simone said softly. “I think I remembered something.”
Michael turned to face her. “What did you remember?”
“We were standing by the sea, and a dog ran up to us. It first knocked me over and then knocked down an arch we were standing under,” Simone said.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Michael laughed. “Yes, that was our wedding. The dog was Toby, my childhood pet. He adored you and couldn’t contain his excitement. That was your favorite story from our wedding.”
Simone smiled. “I think it will still be my favorite story when I remember everything,” she said.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Michael smiled back, and Simone tentatively hugged him. Michael hugged her back, trying not to splash her with water and soap. He felt warmth and hope flood through him.
Just a few weeks ago, he couldn’t have imagined feeling this happy again. As he held her, he realized how much he had missed this closeness.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
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