As a parent, ensuring that my gardening tools are all safely kept away from my children should be of paramount importance. Unfortunately, this isn't the case as we've been working on multiple gardening projects and have limited storage space available - yet!

However, my radar senses perked up after reading this <a href="http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&amp;click_id=15&amp;art_id=iol11678564695B265" target="new" rel="noopener">horrible account</a> of a two year old boy who was bashed by his 8 year old brother with a garden hoe. As to why this 8 year decided to bash his brother is not mentioned, although an inquiry will most probably happen.

The big question, for those of us who are parents, is how did this boy get hold of a gardening hoe? I know myself that I'm fairly apathetic towards ensuring my tools are put away safely. But, as I considered what I had in my gardening shed, a hoe is the least of my worries...

Here are some of the tools aren't secured;
<ul>
 	<li>Axe</li>
 	<li>Chainsaw - although my 11 year old still can't start it</li>
 	<li>Lawn Mower</li>
 	<li>Spades and shovels</li>
 	<li>Fuel for the power tools</li>
 	<li>Gardening secateurs</li>
 	<li>Pruning saws</li>
 	<li>Garden Edger/ Whipper Snipper</li>
 	<li>Garden Fork</li>
</ul>
...too list a few.

Becoming paranoid is not the answer and much of keeping my kids safe in the garden is about helping them see the dangers of these tools.

But even the best parenting will not be there for a spontaneous burst of rage as kids argue over a toy. It's far better to ensure that tools are out of sight and out of reach.