How to Teach Children About Safety

It's a dangerous world, and our children live in it. What can we do to teach them about safety? We are not always there to protect them. Therefore, it is vital we teach children about internet safety, park safety, drugs, accidents, dangerous substances, bullies and strangers.

The following are key points to remember when teaching your children about safety:

Internet Safety: Teach your children to be safe on the internet by letting them know about sexual predators. Tell them not to give anyone they are chatting with personal information such as their address, their phone number, password, or last name. Tell them to log off or call an adult if someone they are chatting with makes them uncomfortable, or uses bad language. Tell your children not to agree to meet with anyone unless they check with you. If they end up in a site that is for adults only, tell them to log off or leave the page.

Park Safety: In the park, tell your children to stay where you can see them. It is safer to play in groups and stay away from the street. If a stranger approaches them, they have to let you know.

Drugs/Alcohol: When someone they know offers them drugs or alcohol, teach your children to say no and walk away. Then, they have to call a trusted adult.

Dangerous Substances: Walk with your children and point out dangerous substances such as matches and poison. Explain to them that they can get hurt if they touch, eat or play with dangerous substances.

Bullies: If your child is getting bullied, tell them to walk tall and look at the bully in the eye. If possible, they should stay with a group of friends. Firmly tell the bully no and if that does not work to call an adult.

Strangers: I told a four year old girl what to do in case a stranger tries to get them into their car. I told her to scream, get away and fight the stranger. Then, find an adult with children or call 911.

Here are some ways to teach children about safety:

(1)Talk to your children. I know a mother who constantly worries about her daughter. She is so afraid for her daughter, she hacks into her daughter's emails just to make sure her daughter is safe on the internet. Invading your children's privacy is not a good idea because eventually they will find out and it destroys their trust in you and in themselves. Instead, communicate to your children your concerns and what they can do if they are in a dangerous situation.

(2)Role Play with your children about what they can do when they are in danger.

(3)Charts. Create a poster about safety issues.

(4)Make up songs This works for young children. For example, you can make up a song about safety in the park. You can use familiar songs or make up a tune.

(5)Make up a game. Create a game wherein your children create a dangerous scenario and what they can do about it.

(6)Draw pictures. Have your children create a drawing of dangerous objects they can come in contact with.

(7)Teach your children basic first aid what to do in case someone is choking or is in need of assistance.

(8)Create a story book regarding safety issues.

(9)Watch a safety video or dvd together.

(10) Create a safe environment for your children. This involves more than child proofing your home, create an environment where your children can talk to you about safety and what concerns them. Try not to be judgmental and listen to the verbal and nonverbal cues your children give you.