Parents have the critical duty to keep their children safe, according to Chris Theisen, who works with children's mental health issues in Colorado. Safety concerns range from wearing seat belts to protecting youngsters from abuse. But parents can't always be present, and the other part of their responsibility is discussing safety topics so their children can make informed decisions and act wisely on their own.
Dealing With Strangers
Teach your children to be careful around strangers, recommends the website for the police department in Lawton, Oklahoma. Tell them not to accept gifts from people they don't know, or to agree to a ride or a meeting--even if it involves something as tempting as an ice cream cone. They should limit their conversation with a stranger to a few words--for instance, giving directions to the library--and they should leave immediately if someone makes them feel embarrassed or uncomfortable.
Home Safety
Make a checklist to keep your home safe for children, says the Injury Free Coalition for Kids at Columbia University. The list should include childproofing the house, learning CPR, and installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. When you discuss safety topics with your kids, instruct them to stay away from matches, lighters, household chemicals and cleaning supplies; show them the way to exit the house in case of fire; and, if they're old enough, explain how to contact 9-1-1 in an emergency.
Drugs
Help your children stay safe from drugs by prepping them about various scenarios, suggests the Lawton Police Department. If a friend of theirs is taking drugs, recommend they talk to the friend about potential dangers and ask him to confide in a parent or another adult. If someone offers your children drugs, suggest they say "no" and report the incident to you or school authorities. If your kids find drugs or needles, tell them never to touch them and to contact an adult or call 9-1-1.
Water Safety
Familiarize your kids with water safety topics. Have them take swimming and diving lessons, which will give them water skills and make them more responsible at the same time. They should understand when and where to don life vests, and recognize the importance of the buddy system when they swim. They should also know not to fool around in the water, and especially not to pretend they're drowning.
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