We all want to keep our children safe, don't we? It's our job as a parent to prepare our kids for dangerous situations without making them live in fear. Yes, the world can be dangerous, but we can protect our children by setting them up for success with safety lessons that they can call on without having to think about it.
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When in doubt, ask
It’s always best to teach children to ask when in doubt. If your child isn’t sure whether they should or should not do something, make it clear that they should ask you before proceeding.
Look both ways before crossing
Obvious, right? The thing is it’s not obvious to kids, so every time you get a chance remind them that they must always look both ways before crossing. Start telling them before they are even old enough to walk.
Don't play with matches, lighters or knives
Of course you do your best to keep matches and knives away from kids, but it’s also important to tell them WHY they are not allowed to play with things like knives or matches.
Stop, drop and roll
This is a basic rule that everyone should know. If for any reason, your clothing or any part of you catches on fire, do NOT run because that will only make it worse. What you should do is stop, drop and roll to try and smother the flames.
The secret rule
There are no secrets that should be kept from parents. This helps protect them from situations where others may try to take advantage of them and make them promise to keep it secret.
How and when to call 911
You never know when a child may need to call for help. Tell them that calling 911 is only for emergencies, make sure they know how to do it and be clear on what kind of emergencies count because your idea of emergency may not be the same as theirs.
Run, yell and tell
Let your kids know that whenever someone, be they known or a stranger, tries to get them to go with them somewhere without parental permission they are to run away, yell and tell somebody. It’s important not to teach children only about stranger danger because the truth is that sometimes children will have to ask a stranger for help and also it is an unfortunate and upsetting fact that most of the time children are abducted by people they know.
Their body belongs to them
No one may touch, tease or show them affection without their permission. They are allowed and encouraged to say NO to being touched or treated in a way that makes them uncomfortable.
Never give out personal info without parental approval
Tell your children not to give out information like where they go to school, their phone number or address to anyone unless you have told them it’s OK.
Don't grab a hot comal
This is basically about stove safety. Even adults make the mistake of reaching for something on the stove assuming that it’s cold only to burn themselves. Warn children to approach any items on the stove with caution and not grab them with their bare hands unless they are ABSOLUTELY sure they are not hot.
Puerta protocol
My kids are not allowed to open the door for anyone unless I tell them they can. You may have different door rules, but make sure you let your kids know what those rules are and under what circumstances they are allowed to open the door when someone knocks or rings the bell.
