How do we keep our kids safe?

Recently there have been some incredibly tragic stories about the loss of young life. Some of these situations have been just horrible twists of fate and circumstance. Regardless, I find myself asking the question; How do we keep our kids safe? Remarkably as a specialist in personal protection I find myself continually asking that question because in the end, first and foremost, I am a father and innately want to do everything in my power to protect my children.

Although we can’t always successfully shield our children from life threatening accidents, personal safety should be addressed with our children regardless of their age. By providing the proper tools and knowledge along with a little hope, we pray that they are never faced with a situation in which they need to utilize that information!

I am a believer in knowledge as power and feel it is my responsibility to share with you some safety guidelines for keeping your children from harms way. Some may seem obvious and some are more applicable to younger children vs. teens, but if there is one suggestion that you weren’t aware of and it prompts you to have a discussion with your child about safety, then I’ve done my job. Please, be mindful, be safe, have the discussion.

-The fundamental principle behind personal safety that I instill into all of my students regardless of age is awareness. This can of course be challenging to young children and teens because their ability to focus isn’t fully developed and they can be easily distracted. However, that shouldn’t deter you from consistently reminding them and “teaching” them how to be aware of their surroundings and take note of what is going on. The skill of conscious awareness helps all of us tune into our surroundings and learn to avoid potentially threatening environments and situations.

-Children of all ages should understand that “NO adult ever needs help from a child”. This is a clear, definitive, non negotiable rule. No need to even get into the lollipops and puppies; it is simple and must be repeated over and over “NO adult ever needs help from a child”. Your teenagers should also understand that they have no obligation to engage in a conversation with an adult they don’t know. There is nothing wrong with just walking away. Better safe than sorry!

-Should your child find themselves encountering a stranger and feeling threatened; they should get loud, get noticed and get away. If necessary fight back and NEVER EVER get in the car.

-Teens are often faced with peer pressure to ride in a car with someone they don’t know well. These are the types of situations where instinct and your gut can clearly be giving a warning you should heed. Here is a perfect time to use that cell phone and call someone you trust to pick you up. I understand that it can be hard to break away from “the pack”, but it is not worth risking your safety.

-Never allow your child to go into a public restroom alone and don’t leave them unattended while you do so. Sometimes this gets tricky when your 10 year old doesn’t want to go in to the bathroom with Mom or Dad. If you can find a single person restroom do so, if not stand by the door and remain in verbal contact with your child.

-Generally speaking your teens should stay in pairs or small groups when going out. There is strength and safety in numbers as long as the group can stay focused and out of trouble.

-Explain to your children that travel and work schedules should be kept private. You never know who is listening when the discussion about an upcoming vacation or Mom or Dad’s business trip can be overheard. Ask older children not to post travel plans on Facebook or Twitter. Social networking is a way of life to them but, frankly it is a source of too much information going out to an uncontrollable number of people and puts you at risk for robbery, vandalism or an “unplanned” house party.

-Teens who come home to an empty house should have the name of a neighbor who is available should a problem arise. If they enter the house and notice anything amiss tell them to turn around, get out and ask the neighbor for help. Children of any age should never open the door for a stranger. This includes all delivery and repair people; even those we see on a regular basis. Your child should never let on to a phone caller that he/she is alone. Advise them to end the conversation quickly and if asked for an adult, simply say “they can’t come to the phone right now.”

Please talk to your kids and remember example is the best teaching tool. So as a parent, you too should exhibit these safe behaviors and set the example for your children.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss safety options for your children or a special young adult in your life, please feel free to contact me.
http://michael@thinkselfprotection.com 631-425-0695.

Stay safe,
Michael