Candles, Kids and Safety Tips
Those who use candles around the house should train their
children how to safely handle or avoid these wax decorator
items. Although candles have been around for hundreds if not
thousands of years, there have been occasional mishaps from
fires and burns. Kids need to learn that candles are not toys
and must be handled in the proper way.
Never let young children play with candles, even the ones that
come on their birthday cakes or holiday decorations. Kids should
learn that adults are the ones to handle candles. Touching a lit
candle can cause a burn, and if one tips, it could cause a fire.
Let your kids know in no uncertain terms that candles are for
looking at, not touching.
Don't leave candles unattended. Children have an uncanny knack
for finding the things they shouldn't, and touching them after
being told not to. Some kids will say it was "accident" that
they found or handled the lit candles. Others will "borrow" the
candles to look at, and then experiment with lighting them in
the privacy of their bedroom or another secluded area. Simply
put up the candles beyond the reach of small children; older
ones probably won't be interested, or they will be trained well
enough to avoid the wax temptations.
At birthday parties or during holiday celebrations when candles
are used as part of the decorations or at dinner, explain to
older children the safe way of using candles. For example, they
should learn how to light, monitor, and extinguish candles of
all sizes, from tea lights to dinner candles. Kids should be
able to use a lighter safely, along with a candle capper to put
out the flame without touching it by hand. Explain what to do
when the candle burns down, sputters, drips, tips, or goes out.
You don't want kids taken by surprise if any of these things
should happen while an adult is out of the room (hopefully this
is a momentary absence).
Train your children in fire safety. Whether a fire should start
from a candle or another source, kids need to know what to do in
case a fire gets out of control. Remind them of what they
probably learned in school ("stop, drop, and roll") as well as
the important facts about leaving the house immediately and
meeting at a certain area outside the house to ensure everyone's
safety. A burnt tablecloth or drapery is a small price to pay
for the safety of all family members.
Candles are a common source of home decorating today. Families
with children should take time to explain the beauty and correct
handling of candles that they plan to light for special
occasions. Since candle use is one of the leading causes of
house fires, it is important for children to understand how
dangerous they can be, no matter how innocent they appear. Even
if you don't plan to light your candles, teach your kids how to
use them wisely.