Do NOT feed small children (even “older” small children) grapes, frankfurters, popcorn, nuts, and especially HARD CANDIES, because it is a serious choking hazard, and just because your child has managed to eat it before, does not mean it cannot chalilah cause a tragedy, lo aleinu. I know someone who gave her two year old a grape, and the story has a very sad ending. Be especially watchful when your child is in someone else’s home, and make sure Bubbies and Zaydies, and the “candyman” do not give your child something he should not have just because THEY don’t think it’s a big deal.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not leave your young child under the supervision of a slightly older child (even seven or eight) and assume they will be responsible for a two year old. I see this all the time in ym neighborhood. I have lovely neighbors, but not one of them watches their children in a safe way. I have myself retrieved 18 month old babies who have wandered off and the parents had no idea. In one case, the baby CROSSED the street and we found him as we returned from a succos meal. The parents were in their succah and totally oblivious. This is a really sore point with me, as you can tell, becaue I see the sakana all the time, and I am tired of being “the grouchy old lady on the block” who doesn’t mind ehr own business. When it comes to the safety of a child, I cannot turn away. And I cannot call CPS, either, because I won’t be moser on a yid. The kids are otherwise, well-cared for, clean, happy. I just feel they are supervised very poorly.