10 things you need to practice to keep your child safe!
10. Teach your children that it is acceptable to not be polite when it comes to being safe or if they feel threatened in any way.
9. Lead by example. Show your children you are serious about safety by practicing the things you teach them.
8. Do not teach them that danger only comes from people they do not know. Children do not have the same concept of a stranger as adults. In addition, statistics show that known friends/family can sometimes pose a greater danger than people they do not know.
7. Communicate openly. Your children will be more likely to talk to you about things you speak about often than they are about things shrouded in secrecy.
6. Talk to them calmly and in a non-threatening way. Children do not need to be scared to understand your point. In addition, children can be paralyzed by fear and will be less likely to take action when necessary.
5. Do not neglect your older kids. Statistics show that kids between 11-17 have the same risk of being victimized as younger kids.
4. Let your kids know that there will always be someone to help them. Teach them it is ok to tell on someone if a they have done something that made them feel scared or threatened.
3. Teach them to never go out alone. Tell them to always bring a friend or adult when going outside.
2. Teach them to say NO if someone tries to do something that makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
1. Have a plan and be prepared, share it with your child. Have a multi level safety plan. Communication is important but remember it is just one of the layers in your safety plan.
