You reported that you are struggling with your child doing dangerous things. If your child is in real danger, respond quickly by picking your child up and saying no firmly. Talk firmly enough to scare your child to help him/her learn what is dangerous. Otherwise, if your child is not in immediate danger, quickly respond in a clear and firm voice and move your child away. Discuss the danger only at a later time to avoid the child learning to get your attention by doing dangerous things. Also make a point to teach your child safe ways to do things by creating habits by requiring safety each time without discussion, like holding an adult's hand every time before crossing the street. Preventing dangerous behavior is more effective than responding to it. Parents who always hold their child's hand at a street and always use seat belts never need to discuss it and always get compliance. They need to count on you to be the absolute dictator in areas where there is real danger.
