How Well Are You Watching Your Kids?

Are you really watching your kids? I mean, really watching them, not just knowing their general whereabouts. Every single day I see one or more children alone in toy aisles, walking to school, playing outside, and so on. As a mom, it really pains my heart to see so many kids left without supervision. How well are you watching your kids?

Lack of supervision can lead to mischievous behavior. Kids will be kids and sometimes that means that if a watchful eye isn't around, they get into things they shouldn't. Inside the house, that could mean breaking things, playing with things they shouldn't touch, jumping on furniture, and even getting hurt. Outside there are even more dangerous chances of mischief lurking for kids who have no supervision. Don't let your kid be the menace of the neighborhood. While your child may be well-behaved, the lure to be adventurous can be stronger when there is little to no supervision.

The toy aisle is not a babysitter. While I realize this will upset some parents, it needs to be said. When you are shopping, if your kids want to look at the toys, that's fine - if you are window-shopping with them. Kids can easily get into trouble, be targeted by the wrong people, or get hurt when they are left to fend for themselves in the toy aisle. Teenagers are one thing. But your five-year-old should be with you at all times when you are in the store.

When your kids play outside, do you really know what they are doing? Some parents simply let their kids out the door, assuming everything will be fine. This could not be further from the truth. When you allow your children to patrol the neighborhood without being in your sight, many things can happen. Your child may get bullied or even be the bully himself. He may also be playing with things he has no business messing with. There are so many different scenarios and issues that can come up.

What if your child gets hurt? This is such an important thing to consider when you leave your kids to fend for themselves. Even the most responsible kids are still kids at the end of the day. An adult needs to be within reach at all times. While it may not be something that happens all day every day in your house, kids can and do get hurt. What if something happens and you are not there? If surveyed, I can almost guarantee that most parents would choose their child's well-being over a work deadline or a phone call. I realize that many parents need to work and handle other business. But our children always need to come first.

Criminals look for vulnerable children. Another sad aspect of children left unsupervised is that they are left vulnerable to the wrong people. Pedophiles, kidnappers, drug dealers, and more may target your child if left alone. When parents don't keep an eye on the children, people like this could notice. If you watch the news reports, you will see that not only can it happen, but it does happen. Sure it doesn't happen every single time a child is left alone. But do you really want to take that risk with your kids?

Not having your child within your vision field at all times opens up so many dangerous opportunities for both your child and others. You don't need to hold your child's hand or be right next to him all the time. However, you do need to be able to see him and be actively watching what is going on.

More from Lyn:

Should My Kids Be in Charge of the Pets on a Road Trip?

Building a Toddler's Self-Confidence Without Over-Inflating It

5 Reasons Parents Shouldn't Let Kids Walk to School Without Adults