Tools for success
Parents have forever tried to mitigate the risks posed by sharp edges, heavy objects and gravity. The world is an inherently dangerous place for sure. But as psychologist Alfred Adler once said, "The chief danger in life is that you may take too many precautions."
Gever Tulley would agree. His book "50 Dangerous Things You Should Let Your Children Do" encourages embracing a little risk as an opportunity to teach safety. If Tulley's instructions for playing with fire or deconstructing the toaster make your protective parent heart leap, start smaller.
Try building a toddler-friendly toolbox to help the little hands in your house develop motor skills and safely get acquainted with the proper use of real toddler-friendly tools. Toy stores have no shortage of pretend plastic tools, but nothing beats the real deal. Use this list as you raid the garage to round out a kid-friendly tool kit.