There are 3 rules that are important to follow as a nurse working in a jail setting. The more I thought about it, I realized that I pretty much follow these same rules at home having a toddler roaming about!

Rule#1 - WATCH WHERE YOU STEP! In a jail you always have to watch where you are walking, always! No matter how hard anyone tries to keep the floors clean, you are bound to trip on a soap bar, squash some dropped food or step in some other random bodily fluids that may be present. (Eeeew) At home, you have to be careful of legos, crackers (otherwise you will be vacuuming for a fourth time today) or little toddler toes.

Rule #2- DO NOT LEAVE SHARP OBJECTS LAYING AROUND! This one doesn't really have to be explained... After working in a jail for so many years AND having 5 children, I'm pretty quick to pick up anything left laying around that could potentially be used as a weapon... Or a toddler chew toy...

Rule #3- KEEP YOUR HEAD ON A SWIVEL! - Do not give your toddler the benefit of the doubt. If you can't see her or hear her, she is very likely getting herself into some kind of trouble. Be careful if you get on your phone and go on a YouTube binge or Facebook follow up.. Just a few minutes is all it takes for a toddler to pull down a dresser or climb up onto the dining room table and toss off your centerpiece. In a correctional setting, when I am out on a floor and the inmates are out and about, I have to always pay attention to what's going on around me. I try not to get too focused on any one thing or person. This is where the "eyes in the back of my head" come in handy. (You all know THAT Mom trick!) Let them know that you are ALWAYS watching and ALWAYS paying attention. (Even if you really aren't always paying attention, they don't need to know that!)