The grandparent-grandchild relationship is a special bond that often leads to wonderful lifetime memories.

Grandparents experience the joy of imparting wisdom and care to a young family member, while grandchildren soak up the attention.

As summertime presents more opportunities for interaction, however, grandparents should take steps to protect their minor grandchildren from risks.

Perhaps the most important item to ensure a grandchild’s safety is to make sure your estate planning is in order.

If something were to happen to you or your grandchildren’s parents, would your grandchildren be taken care of?

Taking legal precautions to stabilize your grandchildren’s future is a foundational step toward protecting them from any eventuality. 

Understanding the advantages of a last will and testament or a revocable trust, for example, can make a world of difference in the long-term safety of your grandchildren, as well as impact the trajectory of the rest of their lives. Estate planning with future generations in mind is never a bad idea and should be considered as early as possible so that the maximum benefits can be reached.   

In addition to thorough Florida estate planning, let us share with you a few more critical summer safety tips right here in our blog.

1. Childproofing Your Home. Supervision is always the best way to keep grandkids safe, but consider putting away anything in your home that could be unsafe, such as household chemicals, knives and choking hazards.

2. Planning for Sun and Heat. Due to their smaller bodies, children are more susceptible to overheating and dehydration. Make sure to keep them cool and give them plenty of fluids to drink.

3. Water. Swimming is a source of endless fun for kids, but pools, lakes and the beach can be incredibly dangerous for children. Lock doors that lead outside and keep your grandchildren close when around water.

4. Car Seats. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury and death for young children, so make sure your grandchildren’s parents provide car seats and relevant instructions. SeatCheck.org also offers helpful information. 

5. Know Their Medicines. To be as prepared as possible, know what medicines you can and cannot give your grandchildren in case of illness. 

6. Emergency Information. Be prepared in the event you need to take your grandchild to the doctor or hospital. Keeping track of your grandchildren’s medical history can make for quick decisions in an emergency. 

We know this article may raise more questions than it answers. We would love to help you plan forward to answer these questions this summer and protect your future, as well as your grandchildren’s future.