You might already know about the many children that are harmed, kidnapped, dead, or missing. You might have been horrified at the prospect of people harming innocent youngsters. As criminals usually choose random targets, child safety is a significant concern. Considering the seemingly limitless dangers in the world, including both harmful people and objects, letting go of even a tiny bit may be daunting.
Though you can’t always guarantee your kids’ safety, you might teach them safety practices, improve their self-esteem as well as judgment, and be open and honest with them. There are several ways to safeguard your child’s safety. Here are the top 8 tips for kids’ safety:
1. Memorizing the Address
You need to teach your children their full names, addresses, and phone numbers as soon as they can comprehend what you are telling them. It is crucial that preschoolers understand this. Make sure they remember your home phone number and, if feasible, your address. If he/she gets lost at a mall or a park, it will be easy for the police to find you – thanks to this. You can use a GPS watch to track your child as well to always know their whereabouts.
2. Identifying Meet-Up Spaces
Determining meeting places and trustworthy individuals in case you become separated is important when you are out with your kid. When you leave the house to go to the supermarket, a fair, or someplace else, take the time to specify where everybody can meet in case someone gets lost. You may, for instance, draw their attention to the store’s service counter.
3. Protecting Kids from Bad People
You should not teach “stranger danger” to your children. Instead of developing a fear of strangers, explain to them that while most people are decent, some may attempt to do bad stuff.
Inform them that however, it is not usually simple to distinguish between the two, they must therefore trust their gut and never hesitate to speak to you or call for support. Remember that most persons who may hurt your child are familiar to them and not even strangers.
In this case, you need to set some ground rules, such as never accepting rides or candy from outsiders, or leaving a situation if someone is acting or talking in an uncomfortable manner. Try to stay composed and encouraging when your children confide in you about their worries so they know they may come to you whenever they feel uneasy. Even if you are anxious or agitated, keep your feelings to yourself so your child won’t become hesitant to communicate with you.
Additionally, increase their self-esteem by speaking with them frequently and responding to all of their inquiries. This will enable them the self-assurance to rely on their senses when determining whether a circumstance or somebody is unsafe.
4. Setting Body Boundaries
You must teach kids how to establish personal boundaries. Start by always getting consent before holding hands or giving hugs. Explain to kids that their private areas are those that a bathing suit covers. No one should ever offer them to touch their private areas or the private parts of another person. Saying “No” is acceptable if the other person makes them feel confused or uncomfortable. They need to then tell a responsible adult about the situation.
5. Role-Playing with Kids
Children don’t learn safety skills by talking about them, just like they don’t learn to ride a bike by talking about it. Kids learn through doing. They must act out scenarios to experience what it’s like to refuse under difficult circumstances.
You may play the “What If” game with the kid to encourage response-planning for various scenarios. Pick authentic scenarios like running into a stranger on the way to school, getting lost in a busy mall, or having fun in the front yard.
Encourage kids to practice whatever they can do and say in a time of threat. Also, encourage kids to practice keeping an arm’s length between themselves and anyone approaching them. Teach them to practice walking away from people who ask for directions.
6. Teaching Self-defense Techniques
You might think about enrolling your kid in karate classes. He does not need to master the art of karate; all he needs to remember are the escape routes from prospective criminals or offenders. One mother always instructs her child to gouge or scratch the eyes of anyone trying to grasp him.
7. Teaching Kids Calling Emergency Services
Toddlers enjoy imitating adults using their cellphone, and by the time they are five years old, some children may be able to use a real phone to place a call. Demonstrate calling the local emergency number (such as 911) and clarify when to call or what to say once you feel they are ready.
8. Monitoring Internet usage
Spend some time exploring a social networking website and online game with them before letting them sign up for it. Inform them clearly and honestly when you have any worries. Additionally, if you think it’s inappropriate, state why they aren’t permitted without allowing for negotiations.
You need to teach your kids to expect others to behave in the same manner online as they do in person. This includes refraining from disclosing private information to stray individuals as well as from engaging in or allowing abusive behavior.
Final Words
The above-mentioned suggestions are not intended to shape your children into overly cautious grownups. It’s all about teaching your children the value of looking out for themselves and protecting themselves when they are playing outside or being alone.
As you may not be able to stay by their side the entire time, the plan is to make children understand that they are responsible for looking out for themselves as well. Happy parenting!
