Keeping kids safe from harm is one of a parent's responsibilities, especially when your child is small. As your child gets older and is away from home more frequently, it is important he understands how to stay safe in various situations. Continue teaching your child safety tips and techniques so he can stay safe in any situation.
Road Safety
As your child learns to ride a bike, rollerblade with her friends and eventually drive a car, understanding road safety is important. Explain to your child the road can be a dangerous place. Tell her to walk facing traffic if there is no sidewalk and ride her bike in the direction of traffic. Stress the importance of wearing a helmet while riding a bike and never playing in the street. Remind your child she should only cross the road at an intersection or marked crosswalk, and never try and beat an oncoming car by darting across the street. If your teen rides in the car with another teenage driver, remind her to wear a seat belt.
Personal Safety
Stranger abductions are rare, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. It is good practice to educate your child about personal safety. Stress to your child you must always know where he is going and who he is meeting. Encourage him to stay with a group and not to go out alone. Teach him to be aware of his surroundings and walk with confidence. When he is outside playing in your neighborhood, make him aware of his boundaries by showing him how far down the street he may go. The center recommends telling your child it is okay to say no to another adult who is making him feel uncomfortable.
Indoor Safety
Your child may occasionally stay home alone after school or while you run errands. Talk to her about how to handle phone calls and the doorbell ringing. Explain she should never open the door when you are gone and not to answer the phone unless she knows who is calling. Discuss emergency situations such as severe weather, power outages and fire, recommends KidsHealth. Show her where you keep the fire extinguisher, but tell her to leave the house in case of fire. Give her the name and number of a trusted friend or neighbor. Do not allow her friends over when you are not home.
Water Safety
Your kids may enjoy swimming in the pool or visiting the lake with friends. Provide your child with swimming lessons until he is a confident swimmer. Once he can swim, be sure he understands water safety. Stress to your child he should never swim alone or without an adult present. If he visits friends who have pools, contact the parents and ask if the pool is open or closed. Remind your child never to dive in shallow water and teach him to be careful around pool drains, recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics. If your older teen babysits, instruct him to never leave young children alone near or in water.
Member Comments