The holidays look a little different for everyone. For some it may include cozying up next to the fireplace with a good book or a movie. For others it may be visits with family and friends with lots of coming and going. If one thing is true for most, it’s that when you’re on holiday, routines often are disrupted and you may be distracted by the festivities. We want everyone to enjoy the season. Today we’re going to talk about hazards that are common around the holidays so that you can keep your family safe from injury this holiday season.

Key takeaways:

• The holidays are a time when schedules and routines are disrupted so your normal supervision level may be affected as you try to juggle all the “to dos”. It’s a time when you bring out items you use once a year, e.g., decorations. Be aware these items will be attractive to children so put breakables and candles up high and check for choking hazards. 
• You may be visiting family and friends, so children are in different environments and the homes you’re visiting may not have children so food and other items may be accessible. Or you’re having visitors to your home and so your attention may be distracted. Have a designated supervisor for young children to watch they aren’t eating food they may choke on, or hurt themselves such as with lit candles.  
• Burns are a common injury seen in the emergency department, from hot liquids, hot food and fireplaces. These injuries can be very severe. Use lids on hot beverages, be aware of children in the kitchen (where everyone likes to congregate!), and either put a guard around the fireplace or don’t use it while young children are around.

Guests:
Samantha Bruin, parent
Breanne Harmon, parent
Dr. Lynne Warda, Associate Professor at the Department of Pediatrics & Child Health,and Associate Medical Director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, University of Manitoba


Resources:
- For more information, visit parachute.ca/en/injury-topic/winter-holidays/
- Holiday fire prevention tips from the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs: oafc.on.ca/public-safety/holiday-safety/winter-holiday-safety
- About Kids Health on Holiday Safety, from Sick Kids Hospital: aboutkidshealth.ca/holidaysafety

Popping the Bubble Wrap is a podcast of Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention charity. We release episodes monthly. Visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Parachute Canada.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network.

The holiday season is upon us once again! Wish lists in hand, you wander the toy aisles searching for the gifts that will bring a smile to your kids’ faces. You might be thinking about safety – trying to assess which of the many options will be appropriate and fun. Maybe you have older children as well. Or you’re buying for family members. How do you buy for different ages? Why do age recommendations matter? What products and product parts should you watch out for? In today’s episode we’ll answer these questions and more so that you can feel confident shopping this holiday season.

Key takeaways:

• Age recommendations on products, such as toys, are not related to your child’s abilities but rather to the small parts that are dangerous for younger children. Toys recommended for older children have pieces that are small and can be a choking hazard for younger children.
• Button batteries are very dangerous if swallowed and they are found in everything from toys and greeting cards to remote controls and hearing aids. If you suspect or know your child has swallowed a button battery, it is an emergency. Take them to the hospital immediately and give them a small amount of honey to help coat the battery to prevent it from leaking and burning the esophagus.
• An easy way to check if an item is a choking hazard is to use a toilet paper tube – if the item fits through the tube, it’s a choking hazard.
  

Guests:
Leslie Bangamba, parent
Dave Trafford, grandparent & SSN Chief Executive Producer
Kirstin Weerdenburg, Director of Pediatric Emergency Ultrasound Research & QA, IWK Health Centre

Resources:
- For more information, visit parachute.ca/en/injury-topic/home-safety/aound-the-house/ 
- Watch "Amélie's Second Chance", the documentary about Leslie’s daughter Amélie, who ingested a button battery.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is a podcast of Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention charity. We release episodes monthly. Visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Parachute Canada.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network.

Did you know that 20% of your TikTok feed is highly likely to contain misinformation? That’s one in every five TikToks you watch! In our world today, it’s so easy to rely on social media, such as Instagram and TikTok, as sources for information – including information that impacts our health and wellbeing. The important thing to keep in mind: advice can sound good, but it can actually be harmful. In today’s bonus episode, we’re joined again by Dr. Natasha Collia (aka "Dr. Tash") to take a pause, and talk about how to know who to trust, about information and misinformation, and some key questions to ask yourself when you see advice online.

Key takeaways: 

• Be aware of the source of information online. Ask questions like “What are their qualifications?”, “Who are they representing?”, “Does the information sound too good to be true?”. Pay special attention to posts pushing and selling products or sounding like an infomercial.
• Canada and the United States don’t always have the same regulations or approvals. Check if a product is legal to be sold and used in Canada.
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and FDA review are NOT the same thing. Approval means the product has been through testing and approved for use. Review means the product has been looked at by the FDA but not (yet) approved.

Guest:
Dr. Natasha Collia ("Dr. Tash") - Pediatric Emergency Medicine Doctor and Simulation Educator at SickKids

Follow Dr. Tash on Instagram @dr.tash.official

For more information, visit parachute.ca

Other sources of information:
Health Canada - canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety.html
Consumer Product Safety Commission - cpsc.gov
Food & Drug Administration (FDA) - fda.gov

Popping the Bubble Wrap is a podcast of Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention charity. We release episodes monthly. Visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Parachute Canada.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network.

By this point, you’re well into the journey of car seat safety for your child. You’ve wrangled rear-facing and forward-facing car seats into the car and your child into those seats. Well done! We have just one final stage left to take on: the booster seat. So, what are the special considerations you need to be aware of when it comes to booster seats? Since they look different from other seats, how do they work? Where should you install them? When is your child ready to move into a booster seat? Today we’re going to talk about it all: everything you need to know about selecting, installing, and using a booster seat.

Key takeaways:

• Not all car seats fit all cars or kids. Some seats even fit differently between seats in one car, for example, the seat may be okay in the back middle seat, but not the seats on either side. Check out the fit in each of the seating positions to get the right fit.
• The lap and shoulder belts must be used every time with booster seats. Using lap belts only can cause severe abdominal injuries. Note: booster seats should not be used on airplanes for this reason. 
• In addition to finding the right fit, your child’s maturity is also key in choosing whether to move from a high-back booster seat to a low back booster seat or having your child ride in their booster seat in the front seat when needed.

Guests:
Alva Bourque, parent
Jayne Morrish, parent
Katherine Hutka, President of the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada

For more information, visit parachute.ca.

Other sources of information:

Transport Canada – Child car seat safety

Child Safety Link – Child Safety Link is an IWK Health program that’s committed to reducing the rate and severity of unintentional injuries to children and youth in the Maritimes. Find information on car seats in multiple languages.

Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada – Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada is a national, not-for-profit corporation that promotes child passenger safety through public education, advocacy and training.

Safe Beginnings – Safe Beginnings is a North American leader in baby and toddler safety courses, content and resources.

Car Seat Manufacturers – All car seat manufacturers provide information on their products. Check out their websites and manuals.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is a podcast of Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention charity. We release episodes monthly. Visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Parachute Canada.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network.

So, you’ve kept your little one rear-facing for as long as possible, and it’s time to move to forward to a forward-facing car seat. Deep breath! You’ve already done it once: choosing the right car seat for your vehicle and your child. On this episode, we’re tackling the forward-facing car seat. When is your child ready to turn forward-facing? Are there any special considerations you need to be aware of when it comes to forward-facing car seats? And how do you use it correctly (e.g. can your child wear a snow suit in a forward-facing car seat)? Today, everything you need to know about selecting, installing, and using a forward-facing car seat.

Key takeaways:

1. Keep your children in their forward-facing car seat for as long as possible. Moving too quickly into a booster seat is dangerous. 
2. Pay attention to the correct setup of the forward-facing car seat, including the harness positioning against the shoulder, the top tether being anchored to the vehicle and selecting the correct belt path on convertible car seats. 
3. Bulky snowsuits and sports equipment can compromise the safety of your child when riding forward-facing. Use thinner clothing such as wools and fleeces or use blankets over the car seat strapping as alternatives.

Guests:
Erin MacDonald, parent
Holly Choi, Vice President of the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada

For more information, visit parachute.ca.

Other sources of information:

• Transport Canada 
• Child Safety Link - Child Safety Link is an IWK Health program that’s committed to reducing the rate and severity of unintentional injuries to children and youth in the Maritimes. Find information on car seats in multiple languages.
• Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada - The Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada is a national, not-for-profit corporation that promotes child passenger safety through public education, advocacy and training.
• Car Seat Manufacturers - All car seat manufacturers provide information on their products. Check out their websites and manuals.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is a podcast of Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention charity. We release episodes monthly. Visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Parachute Canada.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network.

Car seats: we know they’re important for our baby’s safety but one trip down a shopping aisle filled with them, or scrolling through an online store, can be confusing and frustrating. The first car seat you’ll need after your child is born is rear facing, which is what’s recommended for infants and younger children. But what kind? How do you install it? How long do you keep using it? Why is rear facing best? What are the laws? Today, we’re going to talk it through: everything you need to know about selecting, installing and using a rear-facing car seat.

Joining the podcast for the conversation are parents Katie Pereira and Jessica Hetherington, as well as our expert, Katherine Hutka, President of the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada. 

Key takeaways:

• Rear-facing car seats are safest in a crash because the seat cradles and protects the head, neck and spine.
• Not all car seats fit in all cars. When buying a rear-facing seat, check the fit of the seat in your car as well as the fit of your child in the seat.
• Buying, installing and using a rear-facing car seat is not simple. Don’t get discouraged! There are places to find credible information and support.

For more information on rear facing car seats and other child passenger safety information, visit parachute.ca.

Other sources of information:

• Child Safety Link – Child Safety Link is an IWK Health program that’s committed to reducing the rate and severity of unintentional injuries to children and youth in the Maritimes. Find information on car seats in multiple languages. 
• Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada – The Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada is a national, not-for-profit corporation that promotes child passenger safety through public education, advocacy and training.
• Car Seat Manufacturers – All car seat manufacturers provide information on their products. Check out their websites and manuals.
• Safe Beginnings – Safe Beginnings is a North American leader in baby and toddler safety courses, content and resources.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is a podcast of Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention charity. We release episodes monthly. Visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Parachute Canada.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network.

It’s one of those milestones that we don’t want to miss – the moment our toddler takes their first steps. It’s such a special moment. All at once, the world is theirs to discover! And suddenly, your home looks a lot different than it did only moments before – your home looks like a maze of hazards and potential injuries for your newly mobile little one. Today we’re going to talk about it. What exactly in your home environment do you need to be worried about, and how can you make it a safe space for your wandering tot to explore and learn.  

Key takeaways:

1. Use baby-gates, bedrails and cabinet locks to limit your child’s unsupervised access to hazardous areas of the home. Mount tall furniture to the wall to prevent toppling and crush injuries. 
2. Get down to your child’s level and look for hazards from their perspective. A pot handle hanging over the edge of the stove, for example, may attract them. 
3. Give yourself grace as a parent for mistakes that lead to injury. The best you can do is anticipate hazards, be informed and take steps to prevent injury as much as possible.

Guests:
Breanne Harmon, parent
Lillian Chan, parent
Dr. Natasha Collia, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Doctor and Simulation Educator at SickKids

Popping the Bubble Wrap is a podcast of Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention charity. We release episodes monthly. Visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Parachute Canada.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network.

On this episode, we’re going to talk about what types of products are out there that can keep our kids safe during sleep, and what might be out there that might be more risky than beneficial. Joining us today for the conversation are parents Erica Stone and Scott Beaudin, and our expert, Dr. Daniel Rosenfield, Paediatric Emergency Physician with SickKids and specialist in child injury prevention.

Key takeaways: 

• Less is good - a safe sleeping environment is free from bumper pads, pillows, plush toys. 
• There are a lot of products on the market that claim to help with sleep that have not necessarily been scientifically researched – data cited are often marketing-based, not clinical research-based. Most are harmless but some can be dangerous, such as weighted blankets for babies.
• Keep your baby’s arms free during sleep and avoid adding unnecessary risks to the home sleep setup such as tall beds or hats.

Guests:
Erica Stone, parent
Scott Beaudin, parent
Dr. Daniel Rosenfield, Paediatric Emergency Physician with SickKids and specialist in child injury prevention

For more information, visit parachute.ca/en/injury-topic/home-safety/safe-sleep/.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is a podcast of Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention charity. We release episodes monthly. Visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Parachute Canada.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network. www.storystudionetwork.com/

The Canadian Paediatric Society recently released a position statement on outdoor risky play that recognizes that risky play is essential to children’s development, and physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. You might think that injury prevention and encouraging risky play don’t go together but they do!

Key takeaways:

• There is a difference between a risk and a hazard. A risk is thrilling and exciting play, where kids are engaged with uncertainty and there is a chance of physical injury - think back to your favourite childhood memories. A hazard is something that could cause serious injury or death, such as broken equipment, broken glass or needles. Luckily these are very rare occurrences. Risks and hazards can be age or ability specific, and therefore can change over time.
• As safe as necessary, not as safe as possible. Let children take the lead, give children the choice, trust them to make good decisions, and to manage the risk on their own. 
• Physicians and other medical professionals are a trusted source of information for parents. The Canadian Paediatric Society’s Injury Prevention Committee statement provides best practice information to physicians to be able to support parents in balancing and encouraging physical activity – risky play.

For more information, visit parachute.ca/en/injury-topic/playgrounds-and-play-spaces/

Guests:
Dr. Suzanne Beno*, a Paediatric Emergency Medicine Specialist and Medical Co-Director for Trauma at The Hospital for Sick Children;
Dr. Émilie Beaulieu*, a General Pediatrician at the CHU du Quebec and an Assistant Professor at the Department of Paediatrics at Laval University;
Dr. Mariana Brussoni, lead of the Outside Play Lab and Director of the Human Early Learning Partnership at the University of British Columbia

*Lead authors of the Canadian Paediatric Society’s statement on Risky Play:
Canadian Paediatric Society, Position Statement, Healthy childhood development through outdoor risky play: Navigating the balance with injury prevention cps.ca/en/documents/position/outdoor-risky-play

Popping the Bubble Wrap is a podcast of Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention charity. We release episodes monthly. Visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Parachute Canada.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network. www.storystudionetwork.com/

Ever wonder what the warranty card is for, if you should fill it out and send it back? Would you be surprised to learn that not every product you buy has already been tested for safety? And what are those age recommendations on toys actually for? Today, we’re diving into the sometimes-confusing world of consumer product safety - standards and recalls – like where to find information and how to report an issue - as they relate to child products. 

Key takeaways: 

• Not every product you buy in Canada is tested for safety before it is sold. Check to see if a product has a standard and, if so, the one you’ve purchased meets that standard.
• Be cautious when buying, accepting, sharing or disposing of second-hand products. Check that the product: is in good condition; has labels that will tell you what standard the product meets (if applicable); has an expiry date or manufacture date; and has not been recalled.

Health Canada has information on products that have been recalled as well as a place to report injuries and/or concerns with a product. To check if a product has been recalled, visit recalls-rappels.canada.ca. To report an injury form or concern with a product, visit canada.ca/en/services/health/report-health-safety-concern.html.

Guests:
Matt Aymar, parent
Jenn Farrant, parent
Kavinda Senanayake, Inspector, Consumer Product Safety Program, Health Canada

Popping the Bubble Wrap is a podcast of Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention charity. We release episodes monthly. Visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Parachute Canada.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network. www.storystudionetwork.com/

Wiping the sweat from your brow, you let out a sigh of relief. Finally, the crib is assembled and ready for baby – due any day now! You’ve put together the changing table; you’ve got the diapers and the tiny onesies. So close to being prepared for the little one to arrive! Just one last task to take care of – buying a car seat and getting it installed for the ride home from the hospital. You’ve been avoiding this because between knowing what type of car seat your infant will need, understanding Canada’s car seat laws and figuring out how to install the darn thing, navigating the world of car seats is no small feat. New and expecting parents, rest at ease! Today, we’re going to talk it through – everything you need to know about selecting and installing a car seat to get your infant safely home from the hospital.

Choose a car seat that: 

1. Fits your child
2. Fits your vehicle
3. You can use correctly every time
4. Fits your budget – all car seats sold in Canada must meet safety standards

Guests:
Beth Culotta, parent
Shazya Karmali, parent
Holly Choi, Vice President of the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada - Instagram @safebeginnings 

Parachute - parachute.ca/en/injury-topic/car-seats/
Transport Canada - tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/child-car-seat-safety
Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada - www.cpsac.org

Popping the Bubble Wrap is a podcast of Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention charity. We release episodes monthly. Visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Parachute Canada.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network. www.storystudionetwork.com/

Today we’re going to talk about poison prevention, the things our kids put in their mouths that are more than just “icky” – the things that could actually harm them. What are those products and how can we reduce the chances of our children coming across them? I’m guessing that if I asked you to count on one hand the number of times you’ve had to intercept your child as they were about to put something “icky” into their mouth, you couldn’t do it. Young kids are so curious and they explore the world around them by taste!

Key takeaways:

• Keep products that can be poisonous up high and locked. Children explore their environment by putting things in their mouths and don’t have the same “ick” reaction as an adult would. 
• Some products that can be poisonous are obvious, like medications, cleaning products, while others like mouthwash you might not think about. Visit Parachute’s website for information about what products to watch out for - parachute.ca/en/injury-topic/poisoning/.
• Canada has a toll-free 24/7 number for poison centres. If you suspect a poisoning, call 1-844-POISON-X (1-844-764-7669). If you are located in Nunavut, contact your local health centre. If you are located in Québec, call 1-800-463-5060.

Guests:
Jayne Morrish, parent
Stephanie Krnician, parent
Stephanie Cowle, Director of Knowledge Translation, Parachute

Resources:
Parachute - parachute.ca/en/injury-topic/poisoning/

Popping the Bubble Wrap is a podcast of Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention charity. We release episodes monthly. Visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Parachute Canada.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network. www.storystudionetwork.com/

Season 2 of Popping the Bubble Wrap is returning on March 19, 2024, with more kitchen table chats with parents and safety experts. Are you the person in your family who worries about the safety of others, about buying safety products and using them? Then this is the podcast for you.

Join Pam Fuselli this season we’ll answer parents’ questions – and learn from each other – all while popping the myth that kids have to be bubble-wrapped to stay safe. This season, we’ll focus on products that prevent injuries – and also on products that can pose a hazard for kids. We’ll do a deep dive over a few episodes on car seats and booster seats, which are as effective as they are confusing! Other episodes will cover everything from safe storage to safe sleep, from hazard-free playtime to child-friendly décor.

Thanks to our funding partner, Amazon, for supporting this podcast. Join me, and parents like you. Let’s pop some bubble wrap together and learn more about better ways to keep your little one safe.

• Your kids can have fun without being bubble wrapped to be safe.
• Season 2 will share important information on products families use every day and what to look for when buying and using these products.

Hosted by Pam Fuselli, Popping the Bubble Wrap is a podcast of Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention charity. We release episodes monthly. Visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Parachute Canada. Don’t keep us a secret. Help other parents find this podcast by sharing the link to Popping the Bubble Wrap and take a second to submit a review – it really does help!

Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network. www.storystudionetwork.com/

Getting in a vehicle and driving from place to place is a normal part of everyday life for many of us. We go from point A to point B without incident. But unfortunately for many others, a trip in their vehicle results in a lifechanging crash. This episode will be a different format from the others and a warning to listeners that we’ll be sharing information on and details about a vehicle crash involving children.

Pam is joined on this episode by Eran Jalbert Jones who is a child passenger safety advocate, a child passenger safety technician and, most importantly, a parent. I’ve asked Eran to come on Parachute’s Popping the Bubble Wrap podcast because she also has a very personal story to share about a crash that changed her life and the life of her family.

• Installing a child restraint can be complex. The seat needs to fit properly in the vehicle and the child needs to fit the seat.
• Laws often fall behind best practices. Check credible sources for the most current information on child restraints like www.parachute.ca.
• Life can change in a minute.

Listen and subscribe to Popping the Bubble Wrap on Apple, Spotify or wherever you catch your favorite podcasts!

For more please visit www.parachute.ca.

We want to hear from you – what issues or questions do you want us to cover in season 2? Write to us at poppingthebubblewrap@parachute.ca. You can also leave a message at 647 776-5123.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network. www.storystudionetwork.com.

Children can seem like tireless balls of energy at times. It’s a beautiful part of childhood, that almost boundless will to move, laugh and, most importantly, play. It’s tremendously good for children to engage in movement and play. Equally, it’s important for us as parents to allow our children to tire themselves out – how else will we ever get those precious moments of peace and quiet after bedtime! In this episode, we’ll discuss the strategies for managing the risks associated with the spaces our children play in.

Joining Pam on this episode are Brittany, Ashley, and Erin as well as expert Dr. Suzanne Beno.

• Play, especially play that involves risk, is an important part of child development because it promotes physical activity, social health, and risk management.
• There are ways to reduce and manage hazards in play spaces to reduce the risk of injury during play, but still make play challenging and fun.
• Hospital emergency departments see play-related injuries, mostly minor injuries, or broken bones. There are some causes of more serious injuries, for example those related to trampolines.

Listen and subscribe to Popping the Bubble Wrap on Apple, Spotify or wherever you catch your favorite podcasts!

For more please visit www.parachute.ca.

Encourage your kids to get outside and play! To keep them safe, review our tips at parachute.ca/outdoorplay.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network. www.storystudionetwork.com.

On a summer afternoon, there is no better way to cool off than to head to the local pool or lake and go for a swim. It’s a joy to watch young children discover water. Good family fun all around! It’s not news, though, that water can pose a risk to people of any age, and this is especially true for young children. Even just at home in the bathtub, the risk of drowning is present. In this episode, we’ll discuss risks around, in and on the water and strategies for keeping your child safe, whether at play or just getting clean.

Joining Pam on this episode are Brittany, Dave and Liane as well as our expert Barbara Byers.

• Layers of protection are important, including supervision, stopping access to water, wearing protection gear like lifejackets, swimming lessons and knowing how to react if an incident happens.
• Swimming lessons are important, not only for your child's safety, but for you and other adults.
• Drowning doesn’t happen like on TV, where splashing and calls for help attract attention. Drowning is silent, quick and can happen in very little water.

Listen and subscribe to Popping the Bubble Wrap on Apple, Spotify or wherever you catch your favorite podcasts!

For more please visit www.parachute.ca.

Drowning prevention information and tips are available at parachute.ca/drowning.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network. www.storystudionetwork.com.

Parents - you need information and news you can use, but not in the boring way a typical website gives you information, in text and static images.

At Parachute, we're exploring a new way for you to connect with us, to share visual, credible, and timely information that gets your specific questions answered. We need your help to design this tool, so that it works for you!

Tell us your thoughts by completing a short, five-minute questionnaire that you can find at https://parachute.ca/parent-survey! Thanks!

You did it! You’ve guided your kid through childhood successfully and they’ve made it to adolescence - safe and sound. They’re at the age now where they can get their license and start driving for the first time. And…. a whole new challenge is on the horizon. This can be a scary time as a parent and as a young driver. We know well the dangers of driving under the influence: add to that the fact that almost everyone today is rarely without a cell phone and we have a lot to navigate about road safety. In this episode, I’ll be talking to two parents and a young driver about the issue of road safety and strategies to stay safe on the road.

Joining Pam on this episode are Brad, Dawn and Shiv as well as our expert Valerie Smith.

• Young drivers are still developing cognitively and physically until the age of 25. Behind the wheel, they are disproportionately injured and killed on Canadian roads.
• Parents are role models and young drivers are watching what you do and what you say. Next to peers, parents are the biggest influencers on young drivers.
• Driving is a privilege, so take it seriously. Common causes of injury and death among teens include distracted driving, speeding and driving impaired by alcohol and/or cannabis. Distracted driving and speeding are common causes of injury and death among teens.

Listen and subscribe to Popping the Bubble Wrap on Apple, Spotify or wherever you catch your favorite podcasts!

For more please visit www.parachute.ca.

Got a young driver in your family? Check out our resources through our National Teen Driver Safety Week program at parachute.ca/ntdsw.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network. www.storystudionetwork.com.

As parents raising children in the age of technology, thinking about how we can get our children to put down their phones and get outside is top of mind. ATVs are a lot of fun, and they can certainly motivate a child to get away from screens. This is true whether you’re a family who lives in an urban environment and rides the trails on weekends or holidays, or a family who lives in more rural areas and has regular access to trails. ATVs may also be a machine used to tend property or farmland. ATVs are heavy and powerful machines, making them potentially dangerous, especially for children and youth. In this episode, we’ll talk about both the fun and the risks of riding ATVs as well as key tips and best practices for managing those risks.

Joining Pam on this episode are Justin, Dawn, and Todd as well as our expert Wayne Daub.

• ATVs can be dangerous for children and youth under age 16, as they may not have the appropriate experience and cognitive or physical capacity to operate the machine safely.
• Training, supervision and wearing protective gear on ATVs can help mitigate some of the risks associated with ATVs for young drivers.
• Supervision is key. Stay within sight of children and youth if they do use ATVs.

Listen and subscribe to Popping the Bubble Wrap on Apple, Spotify or wherever you catch your favorite podcasts!

For more please visit www.parachute.ca.

Learn more about ATV safety at parachute.ca/ridesaferideon.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network. www.storystudionetwork.com.

One of the most wonderful things about having children is watching their unbridled curiosity about the world around them. As a parent though, this wonder comes with an equal dose of worry about hazards our children might come across. Especially very young children who are vulnerable and have yet to develop motor skills that play a key role in issues like choking, strangulation and suffocation. There are questions about what should be in a crib, what to do with window blind cords and which foods are appropriate at certain ages. In this episode, we’ll discuss strategies for removing and mitigating these hazards in the home.

Joining Pam on this episode are Lillian, Lauren, and Reem as well as our expert Dr. Emilié Beaulieu.

• The first few years of a child’s life sees significant changes to their mobility and brain functions, so steps you need to take during these years, like avoiding certain foods (e.g., carrots, hot dogs, popcorn) that are a source of choking, can be introduced when your child is older.
• Putting your child to sleep on their back is the best strategy to avoid suffocation in bed, along with removing bumper pads, pillows and stuffed animals.
• Window blind cords are a source of strangulation and the best strategies to keep your child safe are to use cordless blinds, cut any looped cords and tie cords up out of reach.

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For more please visit www.parachute.ca.

Want to find out more prevention tips? Visit parachute.ca and click on Injury Topics.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network. www.storystudionetwork.com.