This paper discusses eight precepts that parents, educators, and society as a whole should follow to ensure that children in the United States enjoy a safe and secure environment. These proactive principles declare that: (1) every baby born in our country has the right to adequate health care; (2) guns, knives, and other potential weapons must not be available to children; (3) we must protect all children from injury or death by fire; (4) all children should live in a world free of unsafe levels of lead toxins; (5) caregivers need training in basic child growth and development and child rearing practices; (6) we must monitor television programming for children; (7) children need supervision by responsible caregivers overseeing their needs at all times; and (8) we must stop dangerous aggressive acts now through early identification and remedial programs. Includes 31 references. (MDM)