Committed to Safety

My mother would squawk and herd us children just like she would the chickens. In her defense, I imagine that the two twins and myself made the house feel like a barnyard. Sam’s movement was for the most part vertically; he climbed up every surface in the house, making oven locks and drawer latches indispensible. Stuart thankfully was easier to track, clicking his tongue as he scooted around in his rolling high chair. Pressure gates were installed in the doorways to limit his meanderings. The Childproofer sprung up around the needs that three wild children created. My father was out on the road, presenting to mother’s groups and finessing latch installation (under ten seconds per). My mother manned the home office, balancing child on one hand, phone, scheduling book, and San Francisco city map on the other. When not in the office, she devoted herself to a career of applied nurse practitioner, teaching CPR classes and bandaging the children up from whatever trouble we had gotten into. My mother, given years of child-rearing experience, was more eloquent when it came to parenting than I could ever be. Her most insightful words of advice remain true: “As parents, we tend to overestimate our children's cognitive skills while underestimating their motor skills. Add in a little sleep deprivation and the fact that children don't look at consequences when anticipating their actions, and you've got yourself a situation ripe with possibilities. In this edition of our educational catalog, we've packed it with insights into developmental stages from renowned Pediatrician, Dr. T. Barry Brazelton. You'll also find information on age- and stage- related safety issues. And look at Sam's Safety Scale: it will help you make decisions about the level of protection served as well as the limitations of each product.

Throughout, we are proud to offer you the best safety products on the market today. From the beginning we have maintained that childproofing is a philosophy of parenting. We still do. Look at what the risk is. With some risks, you might not get a second chance. So, that's the determination for the use of a strong, effective product. Then, make decisions on areas that are not life threatening based on parent convenience and personal preference. Child safety products provide nonverbal limits that can help create a “yes” environment for your children by allowing them to explore freely. And, remember, nothing takes the place of supervision.” In April 2010 my mother, Anne Piotrowski Altman, passed away. The Childproofer still carries the same dedication to responsible and safe parenting that Anne and Mark started creating in 1989. Mark and the Childproofer continue to share the joys and lessons of almost 25 years of dedicated, admirable, and often overly-patient child-rearing with new parents.

Enjoy the journey

Mark Altman is cofounder and CEO of The Childproofer, established in 1989. His 35+ years of experience in Business Operations, Marketing and Management have created our economical, invaluable service for new parents. The Childproofer is a Licensed Contractor, #690908, fully bonded and insured. Ask us about our dynamic training program for start-up Childproofing businesses.

Anne Piotrowski-Altman, cofounder of The Childproofer, is a Masters-prepared Family Nurse Practitioner, Public Health Nurse, and Credentialed School Nurse.

Creating Safe Environments Since 1989

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