« Attention Christian Moms!! | Main | 7 Razor Burn Prevention Tips »
Keeping our Children Safe, part two
By Lara | August 6, 2008
Safety In Your Neighborhood
<– part one of the safety series
There was a time that a parent felt safe letting their kids play in their own back yard. They could go outside to play without having to worry that they would be bullied by other children, kidnapped, or injured in drive-by shootings. Sadly, that time of innocence and security is long gone. Our yards and neighborhoods are not as safe and they probably never will be again…
We need to teach our kids to be safe and what to watch for.
What ever child needs to know and what every parent needs to tell their kids:
1. Teach them their full name, parents’ full names, address, and telephone numbers. In today’s world cell phone numbers are also important to know. If they are too young to know this information then they should NEVER be alone. Period.
2. Make it a rule that they cannot leave the house without telling you. If they want to leave your yard, make them to tell you where they are going, if anyone is going with them, and when they plan to return. Make it a rule that can not be broken without consequences.
3. Explain to them that it is VERY important for them to never talk to strangers if they’re alone in the yard, walking in a store, or at a park. They need to know that you can’t tell a “bad” person just by looking at them. They must never assume because someone “looks” nice doers not mean they are.
4. Teach your children that if they do get lost, if someone is following them, or they are being bullied, to head to a store, library, fire station or police station because they are safe places to go. Then they should tell an adult who can call you or the police.
5. Make sure that your children know that it’s not safe to play in alleys, empty buildings, or construction sites. They should also play with friends because there truly is safety in numbers.
7. Have an honest and straight forward relationship with your kids. Teach them that drugs and alcohol are dangerous. If anyone, including friends, offers either of these to them, they should say “no thanks” and then tell a parent or another adult that someone offered these things to them.
8. Help your children pay attention to their surroundings and to learn to be aware of what is going on while they’re outside; for example, paying attention if they see the same car circle the block more than twice. Telling a parent or adult about something like that could protect them, other children, or help keep the neighborhood safe.
When you talk to your children about the dangers that could be around in your neighborhood, don’t make everything sound sinister. We do not need to get overworked about it or make them fearful of everything. You want them to be aware of the dangers, but you don’t want to scare them to the point they’re afraid to go outside. Be honest with them and make sure they understand they can always come to you if they do become afraid, if something doesn’t seem right to them, or if someone or something bothers them. They need to understand safety in your neighborhood, who they can trust, and what they can do to help the neighborhood stay safe.
Copyright © Mommies Coffee Break, All Rights Reserved
Part Three, Coming soon…
Topics: Family, Lessons to Learn, Life with Toddlers, Mommy Stuff, Parenting, Preschoolers, Raising Teenagers, Safety, Serious Discussions, Strangers, Thinking Out Loud, Tips |