When a news story features a missing child, many of us instinctively stop what we’re doing to check on our children and ensure they are alright. No one can dispute the horror of a missing child, the impact can be devastating for both children involved and families left behind. This is any parent’s worst nightmare but can be minimized through proper safety tips about “stranger danger”. “
Make sure that your little ones stay protected between frenzied trips to the mall for holiday shopping, crowded airports or simply being on a playdate in a public place. It is a parents’ responsibility to make sure that their kids are streetwise and know basic safety tips.
- Talk to your kids before heading out. Make a rule that you must always be able to see them and they must always be able to see you.
- Use the “two giant step “rule – your kids can never be more than two giant steps away from you. This is a fun way to remember this all important distance.
- Dress your child in bright colours to make him easy to spot. Children should never wear clothes displaying their names. Be sure to remember what they are wearing.
- In a busy place like a shopping mall consider a harness for toddlers who are prone to running off. There are lots of fun ones out there. Your child’s safety is most important so don’t worry about what others say.
- With older children, agree on a meeting place ahead of time, in case you become separated. If however they get lost, they should ask a store employee for help – always make sure that the employee is wearing a badge with the store name on it. Never go with a stranger who offers help.
- Don’t treat public places as convenient “baby sitters”. Never leave your kids alone at the movies or play areas. Predators are known to look for unsupervised kids.
- Emphasize that your child should never leave the mall to go looking for you, no matter what anyone tells them. Remind them that you would never leave until you are reunited.
- Always bring young children into the restroom with you. If you feel uncomfortable letting your older child use the men’s room alone, stand outside the door and call as your child enters, “I’m right out here if you need me”. It is a clear signal to anyone hanging around that there is a parent close by. If your child is taking too long, open the door and call out to him, if there is no response, enter the restroom immediately.
- Discuss age-appropriate safety issues with your child in a calm manner. The last thing you want for your child is to live in constant fear, and be untrusting of everyone. Children do not have to be fearful of strangers if they follow the safety rules. The rule is to check with a parent before getting close or talking to anyone they don’t know.
- Teach your children to self-protect. Adults do not ask children for help; this is a warning sign that something is wrong.
- Your child should know your cell phone number and their home address.
A child’s personal safety skills can grow quickly to help them to stay safe, especially if the adults in their lives help them learn and practise these skills.
The information on Fedhealth Medical Aid is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
Source: drphil.com, www.pbs.org, loveourchildrenusa.org, www.parents.com, about.com, familyeducation.com
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
