I had something kind of scary happen a couple of weeks ago after one of my kid's practices. I was talking to the coach and had my eyes on the toddler meanwhile the oldest child disappeared from my line of vision. I figured they had made way to the playground but they had actually taken off for the other side of the fields (quite a distance) and was talking to a stranger flying a kite. We talk about stranger danger a lot but this really rattled me. I was able to get to my child and everything was fine but I wonder if I say the right things to my kids about staying safe? I asked Bryan Helm, Owner of Pro Martial Arts in Powell if he could give me some quick safety tips to share with our kiddos.
Here are some tips for parents to discuss with their child about safety:
Here are some tips for parents to discuss with their child about safety:
1. Children should always check first with you or a trusted adult before they go anywhere, accept anything, or get into a car with anyone. This applies to older children as well.
2. Children should not go out alone and should always take a friend with them when they go places or play outside.
3. It's okay to say NO if someone tries to touch them or treats them in a way that makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused and to get out of the situation as quickly as possible.
4. Children need to know that they can tell you or a trusted adult if they feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.
5. Children need to know that there will always be someone to help them, and they have the right to be safe.
6. If lost
-stay calm
-stay where you are and think, your parents or group may be looking for you. Give them a chance to find you.
-if no one arrives soon, look for police officer or another trusted adult.
-know your address and phone number.
-find a telephone and dial 911
-stay calm
-stay where you are and think, your parents or group may be looking for you. Give them a chance to find you.
-if no one arrives soon, look for police officer or another trusted adult.
-know your address and phone number.
-find a telephone and dial 911
