Smart Choices, Safe Kids
Smart Choices for Every Stage of LifeKeeping Colorado kids safe from the potential dangers of alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, prescription medication, and other drugs takes the commitment of caring adults across the state. Together, we can all play a powerful role in keeping children safe and providing opportunities for them to grow and thrive.
Smart Care Overview
Caring for kids requires different approaches at every age. Our Smart Care Overview provides essential tips and guidance to help you make informed choices for your child’s safety and well-being. Explore age-specific advice designed to support you in nurturing a healthy, safe, and thriving child.
0-4 Young Children
Caring for young children responsibly means...
- Attending to children’s basic needs – food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, and hygiene.
- Being within eyesight or earshot of children at all times – napping, sleeping, and indoor and outdoor activities.
- Never leaving children home alone or unattended.
- Providing clear expectations and rules.
- Securing all potential hazards.
- Being engaged in meeting children’s developmental needs – reading, puzzles, play, and other age-appropriate activities.
- Being physically and mentally capable of responding in case of emergency.
5-12 Growing Children
Caring for growing children responsibly means...
- Being actively involved in children’s activities inside and outside the home.
- Never leaving young children home alone.
- Leaving older children home alone only for short periods of time, occassionally, based on maturity and capabilities.
- Supporting children in meeting basic needs – food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, and hygiene.
- Providing clear expecations, rules, and guidance.
- Educating children on potential hazards and securing hazards as appropriate.
- Being engaged in meeting child’s developmental needs – education, extra-curricular activities, friendships, and online presence.
- Being physically and mentally capable of responding in case of emergency and teaching children to appropriately respond.
13+ Teens
Caring for teens responsibly means...
- Being actively aware of teen’s activities inside and outside the home.
- Leaving young teens home alone only for short periods of time, occassionally, based on maturity and capabilities.
- Ensuring older teens have the maturity and capability to be left home alone, regularly, or for longer periods of time.
- If you are going to have your teen supervise other children, consider their maturity level to be sure that they are prepared for the responsibility. Make sure they know how to respond appropriately in any crisis.
- Supporting and educating teens in taking responsibility for meeting their basic needs – food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, and hygiene.
- Providing clear expecations, rules, and guidance.
- Educating teens on potential hazards and securing hazards as appropriate.
- Being aware of and enaged in teen’s developmental needs – education, extra-curricular activities, friendships, and online presence.
- Being physically and mentally capable of responding in case of emergency and ensuring teens can respond appropriately.
Creating a Safe Home Environment
No matter the age of children in the home, it is important that kids are always safe and protected. Below are a few key things you can do to ensure safe surroundings.
Safe Home Storage
All substances, medications, household chemicals, weapons and other hazards should be stored securely and away from kids.
Smoke-Free Zones
Many health issues can arise for kids exposed to secondhand smoke from cigarettes, e-cigarettes, marijuana, or street drugs.
Choosing a Caregiver
Read these tips for choosing a safe, responsible caregiver for your child, as well as sample questions to ask potential caregivers.
Explore The Stages
Pregnancy
Use Care: While pregnant, anything you eat, drink, inhale or are exposed to may affect the development of your baby.
Life with Young Kids
Safe Start: There are so many things to think about when you have young children. Here are a few tips to help keep your children healthy and safe.
Life with Growing Kids
On the Move: As children grow and develop, they become more independent and are exposed to a variety of new surroundings. Here are a few tips to help keep children healthy and safe.
Life with Teens
Be Aware: As teens begin to make their own choices and become more independent, your influence is critical in helping them develop good judgement, build healthy relationships, and prepare for adulthood. Here are a few tips to parent teens around these challenging issues.
Adult Life
Be Responsible: Whether you don’t have kids yet, aren’t planning on having children, or your kids are out of the home, here’s what you need to know to keep kids in your family, neighborhood, and community safe.