There is a lot of preparation that goes into back to school season. We spend hours searching for clothes, classroom supplies, lunchboxes and backpacks. Yet, we somehow forget to take a few moments to talk about safety. Now is the perfect time to brush up on safety and here are some pointers to get you started!
Preschool years: Start talking about the “Uh-oh” feeling. Let kids know that the “icky” feeling they may feel in their tummy is their body’s way of letting them know that something is not right. Encourage them to seek out a safe grown up when they get the uh-oh feeling. Let them know they are the boss of their body and that their bathing suit areas are private.
Elementary school years: Talk about the roles and responsibilities of the adults around them. Talk about healthy body boundaries. Review who their safe grown ups are at school, sports and after school care.
- Review your child’s route to school. Walk the route with your child and point out homes or businesses that they can go to if they need help.
- Discuss with your child who is on the "safe pick up list" when they get picked up at school.
- Talk about the pick up plan for your kids and what you will do if the pick up plan changes.
- Let you child know that you will never send anyone to pick them up that is not on the pick up list and you will not send someone to pick them up along side of the road.
- Remind them to “check first” before accepting gifts or rides from anyone (even if they know the person!).
For parents:
- Plan ahead on how you want to handle play dates at new friends’ houses.
- Talk about how you want to handle sleepovers this year.
- Review your child’s readiness if they express and interest in walking home with a friend or if they want to try staying home alone for short periods of time.
Thinking ahead and preparing to answer these questions will make you less a target of being put on the spot when your kid asks you. Remember to make talking about personal safety a fun thing.
Never use scare tactics. Keep it simple! Safety talks should be about 20 SECONDS! The more short talks about safety the more your kids learn about listening to their instincts and how to make safe choices.
Be sure to follow Savvy Parents, Safe Kids on Facebook for an ongoing 45-day "Tips from Under the Tree" safety campaign which is sure to spark safety conversations between you and your kids.
About the Author: Kim Estes is the owner of Savvy Parents Safe Kids and has worked with parents for over 15 years, educating them on various parenting topics. As a Child Safety Expert, Kim has appeared on local and national TV and Radio shows, helping to raise awareness on the importance of prevention education. For more information about her work or to schedule a workshops go to: www.SavvyParentsSafeKids.com
Be sure to follow Savvy Parents, Safe Kids on Facebook for an ongoing 45-day "Tips from Under the Tree" safety campaign which is sure to spark safety conversations between you and your kids.
About the Author: Kim Estes is the owner of Savvy Parents Safe Kids and has worked with parents for over 15 years, educating them on various parenting topics. As a Child Safety Expert, Kim has appeared on local and national TV and Radio shows, helping to raise awareness on the importance of prevention education. For more information about her work or to schedule a workshops go to: www.SavvyParentsSafeKids.com
