Sometimes life happens, parents are busy. And let’s face it; no one wants to think about all of the terrible “what ifs.” It’s much easier to put it aside until another time, when the children are older, when they’ll understand better, when it won’t scare them…but what if one of the unthinkable happens before that time?
Don’t procrastinate and regret it later. Be vigilant about protecting your children and keeping them safe this summer.
1. Drowning. Does your child or infant know how to swim? Will they have access to a swimming pool?
How to protect your child: Make sure your child or mobile infant knows how to swim. As soon as they can crawl, or sometimes before, they are ready to learn critical skills that could save their lives.
Infants 6 months and older can learn how to survive from ISR Certification. Make sure your children are never left unattended even for a second near a body of water. If you own a swimming pool, keep all gates and inside doors locked at all times—and make sure it isn’t a lock your child knows how to open.
2. Firearms. If you own firearms of any type, keep them locked up in an unreachable place at all times. Do not ever leave out a firearm just because it isn’t loaded or because you believe your child wouldn’t be capable of removing the safety latch. Don’t take for granted that your children know not to play with guns.
Teach your children that guns are dangerous, if necessary, share with them stories of accidents that have happened with other children who have played with guns. Tell your child that if he ever sees a gun, not to touch it and to tell the nearest adult immediately.
3. Strangers: Most parents have taught their children not to talk to strangers—but make sure your child knows the definition of who a “stranger” is. Would your child follow someone who seems nice and tells them they have a car full of kittens or puppies?
Teach your child that sometimes people “act” nice in order to have a child go with them. Explain to your child who safe grownups are to go to if they ever need help, such as police officers.
4. Store Predators: When shopping or having summer family outings, don’t let your child stray away from you—even for a second. There are predators out there that look for parents who turn their backs.
Teach your child that it is not okay, under any circumstance, to leave your side or run away when you are on an outing—unless they have first asked for your permission. Prepare your child with what they need to do in the situation that you were ever separated from them…such as look for a police officer or another “mommy.”
If you have an active toddler or even preschooler who struggles with staying by your side, keep them in a stroller or buggy at all times, or let go of your pride and use a cool looking child/backpack leash. Others may think it’s degrading, but remember your child’s safety comes first. Do what you need to keep them safe. An unhappy child and judgment from onlookers is a small price to pay.
5. Abuse: Talk to your child about protecting their space and never letting anyone else invade that space. Tell them if anyone ever does, for them to tell you. Make sure your child knows that they won’t get in trouble—you do not want them to be afraid to tell you.
Start teaching your child appropriate behavior at a young age—such as not dressing or undressing in front of others, closing the door when they go to the bathroom, (and locking it when not at home).
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Brittany Glynn’s book DREAMS (the first to a five book series) is due for release this fall. Brittany is also the PR director for Girls Against Porn and on the board for Women in Christian Media. To learn more about Brittany visit www.brittanyglynn.com
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