While we try to develop a sense of charity in our children, we must face the reality that having a good heart will not protect them from accidents or evil intention. Those who exploit children, know the potential of tapping into a child's need to be helpful. Child abductors have been known to use ploys such as, "Can you help me find my lost kitten?" or "I feel sick, can you help me?" Kids need to learn some basic safety rules to prevent them from danger. Here are a few safety rules for you to share with your kids. We don't want them to be fearful, just smart.
Parents and teachers must provide supervision and support to their children. Make informed decisions about the activities your child participates in, and the amount of adult supervision they need. These safety tips are intended to initiate discussion with your child and are not inclusive. Many safety issues may be specific to your community, family or school situation. Please take the time to think through each project for additional safety concerns.
- Children should never go door to door alone. They should always travel with an adult, even in their own neighborhood.
- Remind them to stay within your sight at all times.
- Children should not share your address. phone number, or school address with anyone without your permission. This includes people they meet while doing charity work or on the Internet.
- You can say no and still be a caring person. Being kind does not always mean saying yes. If someone asks a child to do something that is wrong, unsafe, or they are unclear, he/she should say no and tell you about it.
- If a stranger asks a child for help, the child should immediately find an adult to assist but should not try to help them alone. If someone grabs a child, his best defense is to kick and scream "stranger" as loud as possible.
- A child should never take food from someone he doesn't know even if it looks fine he shouldn't take a chance.
- Wash your hands with soap. Half of all viruses and diseases we catch can be controlled by washing our hands with soap.
- Have Fun! Just make sure that it's safe fun.
