Teaching Your Child Not to Play with Matches and Cigarette Lighters
You can first start with safeguarding all unsafe materials. Put all matches, cigarette lighters, etc., in a location where your child cannot get to them.
Make sure that all visitors in your home know to not leave matches, cigarette lighters, et., where your child will have access to them.
Establish rules in the home regarding what items are not to be touched or played with. All family members should closely adhere to these rules.
Teach your child about the dangers of playing with matches, cigarette lighters, etc. Many local organizations can provide you with information and may be willing to talk directly with your child. Great examples of people to contact include your local police and fire departments.
Seek professional help from educators, social service workers, mental health workers, etc., in order to help your child better understand the dangers of playing with dangerous items.
Children learn from what they see, so try to never light matches or use cigarette lighters in front of your child.
Closely supervise your child when around fires such as the barbeque, campfires and fireplaces.
Have your child alert you if they find lighters or matches lying around. Promptly put lighters or matches in a safe place.
Reward your child for safe behavior and for following the rules. (Hugs, kisses and positive verbal praise are excellent ways to reward your child’s efforts, or perhaps you could allow them to stay up late or have a friend over.)
Increase your supervision of your child. Do not allow your child to be left alone or have friends over when you are not home.
When your child has friends over, be certain that the visiting children understand what your rules are.
Do not leave your child unsupervised in your home or in other’s homes. If your child is visiting at a friend’s house, communicate with the other parent to ensure children will be supervised at all time.
Talk with other parents. Share your rules with other parents and encourage them to share theirs with you.
Don’t be afraid to ask others whether or not they have put away dangerous items in their home so that they will not be a temptation for play for your child while your child is in their home.
When correcting your child for unsafe play, be sure to let them know what they are doing wrong, why it was wrong and what the correct behavior is.
Write a contract with your child. Have them write down the rules that you have given and sign his/her name.
Have your child tell you what the rules are for finding/playing with lighters/cigarettes. Have them explain to you in their own words what they think each rule means. This is a great opportunity to find out if your child has a clear understanding of what is expected of them, and why/how breaking the rules can be very dangerous.
Make certain your child knows what the consequences will be in your home for playing with matches.
Make teachers, baby-sitters, grandparents, etc., aware of your child’s tendency to play with matches, cigarette lighters, etc.
Separate your child from other children, adolescents, etc., who play with matches, cigarette lighters, etc.
Make certain grandparents, baby-sitters, visitors in your home understand the importance of maintaining consistency in the discipline of your child.
As always, communicate openly with your child, other adults in your family and the parents of your child’s friends. Let everyone know what is expected and be sure you are all on the same page. Safety should always be on everyone’s minds. Remember to offer positive encouragement to your child so that they know that you appreciate their efforts to be safer in the home and follow the rules.
