Research has shown time and time again that a child’s early home environment can impact upon his or her education and future successes. Children that are raised with quality parent-child interaction, productiveconversation, and access to a wealth of materials are far more likely to enjoy academic success than those frequently left to their own devices. Creating a secure environment is about so much more than parenting styles, though. Indeed, a comfortable home environment is vital for the physical and mental well-being of children; a place where they thrive, feel safe from harm and are free to express themselves; a place where families will ultimately flourish.

Creating a secure home environment should be a top priority for parents. Some of the things you may wish to think about include:

Nurturing children in a positive home environment

If your child is to thrive, it’s essential to set boundaries and to lead by example. Body language, the tone of voice, and your gestures are vital if you’re to raise a child in a secure, loving environment. Try not to let your day, or mood, affect your parenting style; remember that children seldom understand when we’ve had a bad day. Consistency is an essential part of parenting becauseyour child will come to understand what’s expected of him or her, and to act accordingly. Above all, have patience, compassion, and understanding. Teach your child that it’s okay to make mistakes, and that trying his or her best is just as important as success. Such values and life lessons are an essential part of a secure, and nurturing childhood.

Safe as houses – literally

The concept of providing a secure environment doesn’t begin and end with love and nurture; your family deserves a safe and sound home to live, and thrive in. While security measures should become a top priority, parents should also consider the problems their home is likely to presentover time. The stress and financial woes associated with DIY disasters can have a detrimental effect on children, no matter how hard you try tohide such occurrences from them. Maintenance and upkeep will be an essential part of keeping a secure home; what precautions do you have in place? Now is a great time to think about getting a home warranty, and safeguarding your home and finances against any issues that might arise. It’s also a good idea to find out what is covered as part of your existing home warranty if you have one; you don’t want to have to deal with any nasty surprises further down the line.

Create a comfortable space

Your child will enjoy having access to his, or her territory as much as you appreciate having a space that’s just for adults. Children find security in familiarity, so provide your little one with a playroom or bedroom that’s filled with his or her favorite things; your child’s room should be filled with the items and concepts that he or she enjoys, and gets comfort from. Consistency is incredibly reassuring to children, particularly babies and toddlers that might otherwise be confused by big changes in their environment. Make sure they are comfortable being home. That means, let them wear loose clothing, or one suitable for the weather. Ensure a good heating system. If you happen to use heating oil, see to it that you have a heating oil delivery service like Romeo’s Fuel (romeosfuel.com) for convenience. By giving your children a comfortable dedicated space, you can instill an early sense of responsibility, and ensure that they always feel secure at home. After all, we all need a special somewhere to retire to or hide in when the world gets too much.

Safety first

Did you know that accidents within the home claim the lives of six children each day in the US? Falls, faulty electrical appliances, choking, and accidental poisoning pose a significant risk to our little ones as they grow up; for all of our worrying about the big, wide world, safety must begin at home. Be mindful of the hazards that exist around your home, including electrical appliances and outlets, sharp edges and heavy objects, hot stoves, boiling water, open fires, and chemicals and medicines. When it comes to safety from intruders, gated communities with access control gates can ensure they are not in danger. Safety gates can also protect your child from accessing the outside road alone.

Online security is vital

You’ve no doubt noticed the Internet’s increasing influence over your home. While there are endless horror stories about cyberbullying, online predators, and security threats to children, this vast, online world is also a valuable source of information. So, where’s the compromise? Your computer should be located in an accessible, central space, enabling you to keep a watchful eye over any, and all activity. If your child is likely to be using the Internet for schoolwork, it’s vital to set a few ground rules. Teach your child to protect his or her privacy, and advise him or her of the sites that are allowed and the ones you’d prefernot to be visited. Above all, it pays to build a trusting relationship with your child. Encourage discussion, and let your child know that you’ll always be availableto offer assistance or support.

Providing children with a safe, secure home environment is as much about his or her physical space as it is the love and nurturing attitude you apply in your parenting. Whether you’re safeguarding your home against accidents, monitoring your child’s Internet access, or finally getting around to sorting out that warranty there are numerous things you can do to ensure your child’s home is a happy one; it’s the least he or she deserves, after all.