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TALKING ABOUT SAFETY
Beth Kalish
www.HankyKids.com
I just got to thinking today about the many kids who are never taught the basics. I was amazed to see how many young children are not in car seats, talking to strangers, and left alone.
In today society we are forced to discuss many issues with our children at a younger age. At the young age of 3, it was necessary to talk to my daughter about strangers. Who to talk to and what to do if you are in a bad situation. Now, my daughter, who is 6, has asked me about drugs, drinking and smoking. I know that these topics of discussion are a little out of left field, but I am gathering they need to be addressed.
Since my daughter needed to have this discussion, I wanted to share what I have told her:
Don't ever accept candy, cigarettes, or a beverage from someone you don't know, it's not safe. Because, it could be drugs, alcohol or something else that is not good for you.
If you are under 6 years old you must be in a car seat. Many parent's are unaware that it is a law that until they are 60 pounds all children should be in some type of car seat system. Just because they don't want to sit in a car seat doesn't mean that their safety isn't an issue. When all else fails and the argument comes up, tell them that it is a policeman's rule. If that still doesn't work, take them to the local police station and have them ask a police officer. (I find in some cases, it is easier to blame someone else.)
Since it is hard to determine who is a stranger that might take you and the nice couple in the neighborhood, she is only able to talk to people she doesn't know her height and smaller. Avoids any gray area.
If and when we are ever separated in a store, two rules:
1) I will never leave the store to look for her, so she should never ever leave the store.
2) Statistics show that a women is less likely to abduct a child, so she is to find a women who looks like a mom and she will help her get to me.
If she ever feels uncomfortable with any situation, she will not be forced comply. They have to feel they have a voice and it must be respected.
If anyone is ever trying to take her, she has been told to yell "FIRE". Most parents are used to telling their kids to yell for "Help" but, most people don't want to help but are always drawn to a "FIRE". I can't explain it but, it works.
It is sad that these things need to be discussed. I don't ever remember any of these things being an issue as a child. The worst I had to worry about was being a kid. But, times have changed and we should take nothing to chance. It might be hard to have these talks but, better now before something happens. Please take the 10 minutes now to have this talk. They will appreciate it.
Beth Kalish ©2000
www.HankyKids.com
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