Teach Your Child to Be Safe

Would your child know what to do in the midst of a dangerous situation? Surprisingly, there are many that do not. Teaching your child about safety can be one of the most important things that you may ever do for him or her. Sometimes, words alone do not convey the message. There are many ways to teach your child safety, without making them fearful.

One of the techniques that I have found to work best is the what if scenario. The good thing about this is that it gives the parent the chance to clarify any misunderstandings that the child has about what to do when in a particularly unsafe situation. After talking with your child about the danger, periodically check in. Ask them what they would do if this or that were to happen. This should be done on a frequent basis, not just after the conversation.

Create a plan and let the child know what this plan is, let them be a part of the process. By doing this, you are enabling them to actively participate in their safety. They are more likely to carry out the plan if they are comfortable with what it is they are supposed to do.

Clarify what a stranger is. When we tell our children not to talk to a stranger for any reason, we may be putting their very safety at risk. Explain that certain people, strangers or not, are okay to approach or to be approached by. Make sure that you include important officials such as police personnel, fire fighters, and school officials. Make sure that they understand that these people are there to assist them when needed.

Set a positive example where personal safety is a concern. It is not the smartest idea to tell your child the importance of buckling up, yet neglect to put on your own seatbelt. Although it may not always seem like it, we are one of the most guiding influences in our child's life. Especially the young ones, they want to be just like mom and dad. It is not enough to just say safety is important, you have to show it as well.

Child safety does not have to be complicated, nor should it be. Use a common sense approach and do not make the child afraid. Ensure that your child knows his or her telephone number, address, and emergency phone numbers. It's better to be safe than sorry.