Maria's actions increase the safety of the child and decrease the risk of unintentional injury. Each of her actions is aimed at minimizing potential hazards that a three-year-old may encounter, which is particularly important considering their developmental stage and propensity for exploration without full awareness of dangers.
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Cutting Food into Small Pieces: By cutting the child's food into small, manageable pieces, Maria reduces the risk of choking, which is a common concern for young children during mealtime. Choking is a significant risk for toddlers, who may not chew their food adequately or may try to eat too quickly.
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Removing Small Toys or Objects: By ensuring that there are no small toys or objects nearby, Maria is effectively preventing choking hazards or the risk of the child putting these items in their mouth. Young children, out of curiosity, often explore their environment orally, making it crucial to keep potential hazards out of reach.
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Frequent Checks After Bedtime: Checking on the child frequently while they are in bed enhances safety. Although children are typically safe in their beds, frequent monitoring can help catch any potential issues before they escalate, such as a child getting out of bed and wandering unsafely or having a restless sleep that may lead to injury.
Overall, Maria is being appropriately cautious. Her actions are protective measures aimed at specific injuries—primarily choking or falls—and align with best practices for keeping a young child safe. Her vigilance is especially warranted given the developmental characteristics of three-year-olds, who are naturally curious but lack the understanding to assess risk effectively.
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