Most importantly, a child cannot understand these dangers.
A three-year-old sees an opening.
An adult should see a potential hazard.
That difference in perception is one reason parents must be particularly careful around fireplaces, heaters, ovens, electrical outlets, staircases, windows, and other household dangers.
A Lesson About Assumptions
Daniel later admitted that his biggest mistake was assuming that because there was no fire, there was no danger.
That assumption was wrong.
Many household accidents happen precisely because something looks harmless.
A bathtub does not look dangerous until a child slips.
A window does not look dangerous until a child climbs onto it.
A kitchen counter does not look dangerous until a child reaches for something hot.
A fireplace does not look dangerous when it is cold and empty.
But appearances are not enough.
Parents and caregivers have to think beyond what is visible.
They must ask:
Could the child fall?
