General Tips
There are five basic tips every parent or guardian should know when it comes to reviewing safety information with their family:
- Speak openly and regularly with your child about safety issues. If your child feels you are comfortable discussing the subject, he or she may be more forthcoming with you. (Use our Teachable Moments Guides to start this important dialogue with your children today.)
- Do not confuse your child with the concept of “strangers.” Unlike adults, children do not have the same understanding of what “stranger” means. Besides, statistics show dangers to children are actually greater from someone you or they know versus a “stranger.”
- When you speak to your child, do so in a calm manner. When it comes to his or her safety, your child should not feel frightened — fear can be paralyzing should your child be confronted with danger.
- Find opportunities to practice “what if” scenarios. Safety skills are best understood when your child can incorporate them into his or her daily life.
- Teach your child to recognize and avoid potentially dangerous situations. If someone follows or approaches your child, teach him or her to get away quickly and not to worry about being polite. Teach your child to tell you or an adult he or she trusts if anything happens that makes him or her scared, uncomfortable or confused.