How to Stop a Child From Playing With Matches

Children are naturally curious, and they learn about the world around them by looking, touching, tasting and manipulating objects. However, curiosity should not result in injury to a child. You can teach young children about the dangers of playing with matches without compromising this natural curiosity. Parents and caregivers should focus on education about fire safety instead of punishment. Take steps to keep young children safe and talk with them about the dangers of fire.

Things You'll Need

• Child safe cabinet and drawer locks

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Instructions

• 1

  Supervise young children at all times. Do not leave a young child alone in a room where matches are kept. Remove all matches from tables, counters and cabinet drawers that the child can reach. Place child safety locks on cabinet doors and drawers where matches are stored or keep matches in a locked box.

• 2

  Educate young children about the dangers of matches. Ask your local fire department to provide you with fire-safety teaching materials like pamphlets and videos. Request age-appropriate materials.

• 3

  Set a good example for young children about fire safety. Demonstrate the proper use of matches for older children. Explain to children that matches are tools for adults. Instruct older children to tell an adult if they find matches in the house.

• 4

  Remove all matches and cigarette lighters from the home if a child continues to play with matches. Use a firm "Do Not Touch" approach for children under age 5 years. Seek counseling for a child who keeps playing with matches or attempts to start a fire after you have made every effort to educate him.