CHILD SAFETY TIP

Donna Dixon, University of Missouri-Columbia

	The weather is getting warm again, and children are begging to be outside.  While you consider your children's safety, you may wonder how to get them to wear helmets when riding their bike or skateboarding.

	You know that bike helmets prevent serious head injury in children but your child only sees them as a nuisance and "not cool." First, parents should role model the wearing of helmets when they ride a bike or roller blade. Second, stress that this is one of those non-negotiable parent "laws" that must be initiated with the first bicycle or scooter just like you insist they wear a seat belt in the car. Third, keep several helmets around for their friends and insist they wear them while at your home. Fourth, make sure the helmet is approved by the American National Standards Institute (there will be a logo) and covers the top of the forehead.