As you venture out to crowded malls or browse for the perfect toy on the Internet this holiday season, be aware of hidden toy hazards. Some of the hazards to watch for include:

Toys with small parts:  Small balls and balloons remain a leading cause of toy-related deaths and injuries.  Every year, approximately 5,000 children ages 14 and under receive emergency care because of an inhaled or swallowed toy or toy part. (Source: National SAFE KIDS Campaign)

Toys with strings attached may pose strangulation hazards:  If the toy you are planning to buy has cords or strings attached to it, please be careful that the cords are not too long. There is always a danger of the cord getting entangled into a loop which may pose strangulation hazards to the child.

Loud toys:  Check to make sure the noise levels on toys are tolerable and the toy has volume control. Too loud toys can permanently damage the sensitive hearing of children

Toxic toys:  If you are buying toys like crayons, art supplies, or any liquid-containing toys, make sure that the toys do not contain toxic chemicals. You can check the labels to make sure they are safe in case of accidental ingestion.

Toys with sharp edges and points:  It is a must to check all toys for sharp and pointed edges. This is especially important for younger children since they have a tendency to put things into their mouths or into their eyes. There is always a danger of falling on top of the toy while playing, which also may cause injury.

Toys that are sturdy and strong:  It is important to check to see if the toy you are buying is sturdy and built of strong shatter proof material. In case of any falls or accidents, the toy should not break into pieces with sharp edges as this can cause bodily injury to the child.

Also, remember to read and obey all Warning Labels.

Grandparents, friends and family members alike can plan a few hours with children for carving a pumpkin, decorating cookies, bird watching, coloring eggs, or teaching a special skill. Both generations benefit from the time spent together.

Throughout the year, give children the “roots” they seek. Children love to hear about what you did when you were their age. Put together a book of photographs showing what life was like when you were young. Captions with the pictures help the children remember what is being shown and who is in the photos. Talk to them about how things are the same and different then and today. Also note the differences in hair styles, clothing, home décor, cars, etc. If the children live a distance away, send them the book you made. Sharing your stories makes you feel good too.

If you don’t have many pictures of yourself, make a scrap book or album of their parents and aunts and uncles as youngsters. Children also enjoy hearing stories and seeing pictures of their family members before they were grownups.

Storytelling is good any time of the year. Describe to the children what special occasions were like when you or your children were little. Write the stories or record them. The children are likely to recall what you said and the message can be a positive influence in their lives as they grow and develop.

Family traditions should be passed on to the next generations with the stories that go along with them. Did some of them begin generations ago? Do you have any objects that have a special story? If you don’t have any traditions that you can think of, now is the time to create some. Children look forward to doing something unique during a holiday or celebration.

So often children can’t remember what “things” they received as gifts, but they will remember the time you spent with them teaching and talking and showing them that they are special. If you don’t have a child in your life, borrow one from another family you know.