House Proofing

The baby's getting older and is almost mobile, so we've started to think of safety-proofing the house again.  We kind of remember what to do: cabinet doors, electrical outlets, etc.  I don't think though, that any person or book told me about the garage door.  Neither did anyone mention that kid-proofing is an ongoing process and should get attention even when a kid is older, like 8.

Just a note to my friends with young children: if you have an automatic garage door opener, please disable the manual lock on the door.  If you do not disable the lock, your child might entertain himself by playing with it, doubtless on one of those days when he's been tossed outside and told not to come back for a while.  Then when you come home and click the doohickey in your car, already anticipating going inside and shedding your crummy work day at the door, you'll have the pleasure of watching the garage door buckle as the opener attempts to lift it against the latch.  Then you'll wonder what the hell happened and if a truck or something might have hit your house to knock the door off track.  Then you'll discover in casual conversation with your kid that he found out the handle on the garage door turns with a great thunking sound.  Finally, you'll discover that the cheapest installation of the cheapest door will cost around $1000.  That might not be fun.  For instance.  Just saying, don't let this outlandish example be you.

As I think of more examples of safety-proofing against the older child, I'll be sure to share them.