Child Safety Tips While in the Community
Simple Strategies for Kids and Parents When in Public Places
Oct 28, 2009
For toddlers and young children, going out in the community can be a wonderful opportunity to explore and learn. New experiences and sensations that are impossible to replicate are often just outside the front door. Unfortunately, these positive interactions are not alone.
It is impossible to give full attention to a child but there are some simple safety tips to increase the child’s safety and offer some assistance if faced with a lost child.
Child Safety Starts at Home
Working on the kids safety while in public can be too late. One great joy in life is to hear the first words of “mama" and “dada”. Parents also help the child learn her own name but does the child know her parents' names? Even if a responsible adult is helping a lost child, what name is the child going to give for his parents?
- Try to help the child say her first and last name. If lost, knowing the child’s last name can help adults notify the parents easier by using the family name.
- Play naming games with the child using first names (child and adults).
- Use make-believe games that use safety people with the child. Pretend to be a policeman, fireman, or an adult with a small child. The child may seek out these individuals in an emergency.
Prepare to Leave the House
With the hectic lifestyles common today, this can be difficult. Taking a few minutes can feel like losing precious moments of the day but there are some simple tips that can be completed quickly.
- Have a current photo of the child. A camera may not be necessary. Many phones have the ability to take pictures.
- There are many child safety products that can be attached to clothes or worn as a fun bracelet. Double check to make sure the child’s device is attached.
While in Public
Playing games can be a fun way to provide information in a memorable way. Use safe locations and people in the games.
- Play a naming game. Point out safe locations like the information booth or security office.
- Help the child have a short conversation with an adult. Taking a couple of minutes with the child to say hello to a police officer or security guard can help break through the veil of unfamiliarity.
Hopefully these safety tips will not be utilized but may offer another way to interact with the child in a fun way. They can be enjoyable games for the children and an additional bonding time for the parents. If needed, they can reduce the time apart and every minute can feel like an eternity.
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