How to Keep Your Child Safe in a Parking Lot

When I worked as a nanny, one of my primary concerns was keeping the kids under my care safe. Their safety is of primary importance. I wanted to ensure a child's safety. Besides the fact that I loved all the children I was given to care for, A nanny who has one or more accidents occur is unlikely to keep a job let alone a career. I did everything within my power to ensure that the parents who left me in charge knew their children would be safe.

I quickly learned tips on how to care for children and help ensure their safety. As a mother, I still have the same concerns. I am glad I learned some tips while caring for others children. It gives me additional security as I raise my own children.

One of the most dangerous places a child can be is in a parking lot. Toddlers don't understand cars and traffic. Have you ever carried a child in one arm, a bag of groceries in another arm and still need to get the door to the car un-locked? I have. I believe other parents have too.

One thing that is important is to stress to your children the danger of cars and the fact that "they could hurt you." Phrase it with the words "they can hurt you." and your child will quickly comprehend what you mean. Inform your child to "listen to Mommy (or Daddy) so you won't get hurt." Using simple language with as few words as possible is a great way to help ensure your kids stay safe.

Another important way to keep your child safe in the parking lot is to tell them to "watch for cars". Then, don't cross in front of cars even if they stop for you. Wave the driver on. That way your child will know it is NEVER a good idea to walk in front of a moving vehicle. A toddler will not be able to determine the difference between a moving car that is stopped for you and a moving car. Therefore, the best approach is to allow the driver to go before you cross a street or parking lot. This will help to communicate to your child that it is never a good idea to run in front of a car. This doesn't ensure their safety but it helps them instinctively understand the danger of cars.

The final tip I use when I have a child in one arm, a bag of groceries and car keys, is to tell the toddler/preschooler to place their hands ON the car door. I insist they not remove their hand(s) --- (or finger if the car happens to be dirty) from the car. Then, I can dig for my keys and I know they won't accidentally wander behind a car backing out. This is a simple tip that I came up with while I was nannying. I believe this is a unique rule I have discovered. I have never known another parent who incorporated this rule, however I believe if more people knew about this easy idea they might.

Having a child touch the car (even if they slide their hand down the side of the car) ensures that their little bodies will not be close to another vehicles wheels. Other drivers often appreciate this too. When they see I have my child put her hands on the car, they smile knowingly. It gives them the security that they may back up without worry. The children I have cared for seem to appreciate this rule too. They know that I am doing my best to help ensure their safety in an unsure world.

I recommend incorporating these strategies to ensure your children stay safe the next time they are in a parking lot. Whatever we can do to keep these precious little ones safe is a good idea!