Homemade gifts are great and they are fun to make. Maybe you are going to make your dad a Father’s Day present this year. Any time you make any crafts around the house there are safety tips that you should follow. Some are for keeping you safe and some are for keeping the house and property safe. I’ll let you figure out which one is which!
Scissors: Scissors are sharp and dangerous. You should never run with scissors. You should also never play around with scissors. Cut what you are going to cut and then put the scissors away. It is best if you cut along an outline that you have drawn. Never try to give yourself, or anybody else a haircut. It can only end in disaster.
Markers: If you are using markers to draw on dad’s present it is important that you always put the cap back on after you are finished using it. This will help to make sure that the marker doesn’t dry out an get ruined. It is also a good way to insure that you don’t mark up the counters, the floor, or the furniture. Sniffing and tasting markers is just dumb and it can hurt your brain.
Paints and glues: The paints and glues that are made especially for kids are supposed to be non-toxic. However, if you use grown-up stuff touching and smelling the stuff can hurt you. Adult paint is meant to be use “in a well ventilated area”. It is best to have an adult with you when using products that are made for adults.
Small parts: You might be decorating a picture frame with little buttons, or filling a bean bag with beans. Whatever little pieces you are using, you should never put anything in your mouth. You might choke on small pieces and a surprising number of things are poisonous. Did you know that kidney beans are poisonous before they get cooked? They are and if you are making a beanbag filled with kidney beans, that is good to know.
Heat: Some crafts require the use of heat. If you have to cook something, or iron something, it is best to get some help from an adult. Irons stay hot for a long time and they can burn you really bad. The same is true for pulling something out of the oven. Ovens are not made for kids. Adults reach down to them and can avoid the hot racks but kids are too little to reach down into the oven. When kids reach into an oven then reach straight in and it is much easier to get burned that way.
In general: Get in the habit of always being careful when you are doing crafts. Once you are done with something, seal it up and put it away. Never have a messy work area, it increases the chances of you either losing something or getting hurt or both. If you are working with paints and markers, you might want to use a big work shirt, a smock, or an apron to help keep your clothes safe. Never put anything into your mouth. Most important, let an adult know what you are doing and have them help you with anything that requires cutting, cooking, or working with tools.
Have fun making your dad a great Father’s Day gift and remember to follow the rules and be safe. In the long run, your being safe and living a long, healthy life might be the best present you will ever give your dad.