I subscribe to some google alerts for interesting news stories and blogs about toddlers and preschoolers.  It’s a great way to keep on top of things that might be of interest to you, the Parenting Zoo reader, and it keeps me in the know just … well cuz I like to be in the know!

I’ve been amazed over the last few weeks how many times there is a news story about a toddler falling out of a window – I mean almost daily there is a news story on my alert… in different towns (and countries – today’s was in China).

Usually what happens is the toddler pushes through a window screen and falls.  And if you think about it, it’s probably not that surprising because screens are so flimsy and toddlers, well, push on them.

I remember in our old house making sure one window in particular was never opened even though the breeze from that particular window would have made for a nice cross wind.  My girls were older so I wasn’t imagining little kids careening down to the ground – I was worried about the cats!  They loved sitting in windowsills when the window was open.  I did finally open it just enough to get a little breeze through but not enough for the cats to jump up and push through.

So if you have young curious ones about, take a look at your windows and how easy it is for your toddlers and preschoolers to get to them.  Then evaluate whether or not you should open the window at all or choose a different window to open on a breezy day!