Racing ahead, speeding to keep up with friends and clearly not going to listen to mom until she learned the hard way -- yes, this was my daughter riding her bike on our evening walk the other day.

Let's just say she learned a little lesson on the importance of bike safety and listening to mom.

She is usually very obedient and cautious, so her behavior somewhat caught me by surprise. But she is no different than anyone else. Sometimes even the most well behaved fall short, and stumble off the beaten path.

Down she went, crashing onto the sidewalk after trying to stop much too quickly for the rate of speed she was going.

She flew over the handlebars, and nearly crashed into someone’s garbage can.

Tears of pain, fear and sheer embarrassment flowed from her eyes. It pains any parent to see their child hurt in anyway. However this particular time I knew it was a teachable moment, and believe me, I took full advantage of it!

While comforting her, bandaging a cut finger and placing an ice pack on her forehead, I repeatedly said “thank goodness, you had your helmet on” approximately 100 times.

Her precious little head was clearly spared by the helmet. Thank God! Her accident could have been much worse, but none the less, I know she won’t be racing ahead anytime soon.

With the holiday weekend upon us, vacations planned, and just daily play there are bound to be accidents along the way. In order to help prevent them, and keep them minimal, here are a few tips and reminders to keep your little loves safe this summer.

1. Bike helmets should be worn at all times and yes, even around the block. You can purchase one quite inexpensively at Kmart or Harper Sports. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) “helmets are 85 percent effective in reducing head injuries and 88 percent effective in reducing brain injuries.”
2. Use life jackets on the boat, in the pool or near the water. An important reminder: do not use a flotation device in place of supervision. Children should be supervised at all times around water.
3. Wear sunscreen at all times
4. Keep hydrated. Kids often do not drink enough while playing outside. Make sure to have the kids take several water breaks throughout the day
5. The back seat is safest! For more on car seat safety and Michigan laws click here.

As parents, there are numerous guidelines and laws in place that have been enacted in an effort to keep our children safe.

I simply wanted to touch on a few big ones, if not to remind you, then maybe a sitter or grandparent that might be watching your child this summer.

Remember even the most obedient fall short at times. Accidents do happen, but being informed, aware and cautious might just mean saving a child’s life.  

Have a safe and fun, filled weekend with your loved ones! Share your safety tips with us on the Patch or with me at amamajourney@gmail.com!