In which of the following ways can caregivers and parents/guardians best encourage young children to develop an understanding of basic safety principles?

Modeling behaviors is an effective way for caregivers and parents/guardians to instill a practical understanding of basic safety principles in young children. When adults demonstrate safe practices—like not going near water without supervision, using car restraints, and following traffic rules—children are more likely to internalize these behaviors as they observe and mimic their caregivers. This hands-on learning process helps children to grasp the concepts of safety in real-world situations, making it easier for them to understand and remember the importance of these actions.

In contrast, enforcing rules without explanations or practical demonstrations can lead to children following instructions without truly understanding the reasons behind them. Just telling children that safety is important without any context or examples may not effectively resonate with them. Similarly, teaching theoretical concepts alone might not provide the practical application that children need for these lessons to be meaningful in their daily lives. Therefore, modeling appropriate behaviors stands out as the most beneficial approach for effective learning and understanding of safety principles.