7 Things to Teach Your Child To Be Safe and Protected Now!
Looks Who’s Home Alone!
As parents to three kids, as small business owners and as security company owners, we know a thing or two about safety and security! We also know that as parents of teens, you can not be with them at all times, everywhere. Kids go off with their friends, or are left home alone to do homework (and chores, maybe?).
Reality check:
You just can not be with your child or teen 24/7.
So as your child ages and gets older, s/he should have more responsibilities around the house, and around town.
This responsibility comes with added anxiety for parents, right?!
The best way to combat this anxiety is to be informed and to teach our children well!
In previous articles, we’ve touched on several kid-related safety and security issues.
Check out the following articles for great tips and information!
Would You Know How To Fight Off A Kidnapper?
New Driver? Enter Vehicle Tracker From Honeywell Total Connect.
3 Ways To Know If Your Child Is Ready To be left Home Alone.
Safety First! Make a Family Emergency Plan Today.
Hiring a Babysitter Shouldn’t Stress You Out!
About Being Alone. Not Helpless.
So what can you do today to reduce your stress over your child gaining more independence and them being alone more?
You should
- talk with your child and set expectations re: places to go, timing and when to check in
- prepare your child to be out alone; teach self-defense, awareness and safety rules
- check out and then implement the following seven tips!
7 Things to Teach Your Child About Safety!
- Teach your child not to open the front door when home alone. If there is one exception, it should be to open the door for the parent or grandparent, no one else. They should also have the alarm system activated when home alone!
- Teach your child when it’s appropriate, and how to dial 911. Talk through a range of situations where you should (and shouldn’t) call for help – use real-life examples if needed.
- Create a simple family text code (something like 711 or 321) that they can easily remember and use to contact you if they are scared, or in danger.
- Create a memorable family code word. This word should only be given to family members (or trusted friends in your absence). Teach your children that they are never to leave with anyone who doesn’t have the secret code. The word should remain a secret and changed periodically.
- Teach your child the following: their home address, phone number and parents’ full names.
- Teach your child to listen to that little voice that tells them something is not right, and to trust it. Tell them that sometimes adults may make them feel uncomfortable. It is always okay for them to move away or leave immediately, and to tell a trusted adult what happened. It is important that your children know that you will always help and support them, and that you will never be upset at them trying to protect themselves.
- Create a list of ‘favorites’ in your and/or their cellphone. Add your spouse/partner and one or two immediate family members (or trusted friends) and teach your child how to find and call these numbers.
Sit Down and Have a Safety Talk With Your Child(ren) Today!
Don’t wait – it’s never a perfect or convenient time to do it, but if you can’t make the time today, at least make the time to schedule a family safety meeting this weekend!
Let us know if we can help you in anyway!
