Every parent has that one overwhelming fear regarding their child’s safety that can keep them up at night. Whether it’s the risk of choking, drowning, or even abduction, these concerns can be daunting. When my friend Lisa was a single mom to her three-year-old, she devised a creative way to teach her daughter about safety through a fun role-play activity called the “911 game.”
In this game, Lisa would ask her daughter, “Hello, 911 operator, what’s your emergency?” To which her daughter would humorously reply, “Um, my mommy.” Lisa would take it from there, prompting her to articulate what was wrong, her address, and other crucial details. This game was a clever method for Lisa to ensure her daughter knew how to get help in case of any emergency—an important lesson that many kids (and adults) struggle to remember.
Unfortunately, many parents inadvertently scare their children in an attempt to teach them about safety. The common advice of “don’t talk to strangers” can be misleading. Statistically, 90% of harm towards children comes from people they know. With millions of reported abuse cases each year, it’s essential to focus on teaching kids about recognizing their feelings and trusting their instincts. If they feel uncomfortable with someone, like Uncle Joe at Thanksgiving, it’s vital not to force interaction.
Beyond the topic of abduction, it’s crucial to prepare kids for situations like getting lost. Did you know that 70% of children will experience getting lost at some point? Instead of simply teaching them to find a police officer, a more effective approach is to instruct them to look for a mother with children, as they are often the safest option. Kids should also know their caregiver’s name and how to reach them.
The goal is to empower children without instilling fear. Here are some valuable guidelines to consider, inspired by safety expert Pattie Fitzgerald from Safely Ever After, Inc.:
- Encourage kids to trust their “uh-oh” feelings.
- Teach them to “check first” before going anywhere unfamiliar.
- Emphasize that they are the “Boss of their Body” and no one should ever hurt them.
- Help them memorize their name, address, and phone number. If they’re too young, engage them in a fun craft to assist with learning.
- Explain that safe adults don’t ask children for help.
- Empower them to say no if something feels wrong; politeness is not required.
- Reiterate that everyone’s private parts are personal.
- Instruct them to freeze and yell if they ever get lost, or to seek help from a mom with kids.
Having these conversations can alleviate some of the anxiety surrounding difficult subjects. Expect plenty of questions; this dialogue should be ongoing, not a one-time chat. These tips can help keep your child safe while maintaining their happiness.
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In summary, approaching tough conversations with your child can build their confidence and sense of security. Equip them with knowledge and tools to navigate the world safely, while fostering an open and trusting environment.