As a parent, you are always attuned to news about kids being abducted, bullied, or abused – all of which have become too rampant of late. You must be scared (and rightfully so) to let them go out by themselves. But, you can’t be around them all the time. Children deserve their independence, however, as a parent, you are always going to be worried about their safety. `In this blog post, read about how to keep your child safe while letting go of their hand.
How do I Keep My Kids Safe When They Are Out?
As parents, it is your job to teach your children to be independent, but at the same time, you need to ensure their safety. Following is a list of 5 essential tips to keep your children safe when they are out by themselves.
Foster a Connection With Your Child From the Start
The best way to keep your child from being bullied, getting into the wrong company, being abused, or any other risk you can think of is to maintain a close relationship with them. Children who know their parents have their back and will listen to them without making them feel guilty are more confident. Such Rewards kids are more likely to stick up for themselves, ask for help, and confide in you before matters get worse.
For this, you need to take the time out and build a relationship with them right from their formative years. Listen to all their problems, no matter how small or inconsequential they seem, without being judgemental. This gives them the confidence to deal with any situation in life. If you feel that your child is being distant, prioritize reconnecting.
Teach Them to be Alert Always!
Children of every age, gender, and race are vulnerable to abduction. Thus, you must teach them to be alert to their surroundings and people around them when they are not with you. We often hear stories of children being lured away while trying to help someone. Get your children to understand that grownups never ask kids they don’t know for help. Also, make it clear to your children, that no matter what the situation is, you would never send a stranger to pick them up. If they need help when they are by themselves, they should approach a mother with kids and ask for help.
Be Well Aware of the Place Your Child is Going to Visit
We recommend that you get to know all about the place your child is going to visit. Your child could be going outdoors or to a friend’s place for a playdate or a sleepover. If it is outdoors (like a camping or a trekking trip), then talk to your child beforehand about the place, what to expect, and areas they should avoid.
If they are going over to a friend’s place for a playdate or a sleepover, then you must familiarize yourself with the parents at the homes where your child is visiting. Are the kids left unsupervised on the computer? Are they allowed to go out for a stroll after dark? What if their friends suggested something inappropriate? Teach your children to leave any room or house where they feel uncomfortable and call you immediately.
GPS tracking devices in such situations are also a useful tool that can provide you with real-time details of your child’s exact location. Most also have a contact option, which can help you contact your child if necessary – by chat, call, or text.
Provide Your Child the Tools to Protect Themselves
Statistics reveal that 1 out of 3 girls and 1 out of 5 boys face some untoward incident before they turn 18. And it is usually someone the child knows or trusts who commits the crime. So, the concept of “Stranger Danger” is not the only concept to concentrate on. Instead, we recommend to:
- Inculcate the concept of consent in both boys and girls early on. When someone says “No! Stop!”, we need to stop immediately. Also, never force your child to hug or kiss a relative or a friend if they don’t want to.
- Teach your child that in your family, no one ever keeps secrets. If something is bothering them, let them come up to you and confide in you, even if someone has told them not to.
- Don’t leave your child with anyone unless you completely trust them.
Instilling Confidence and Not Fear in Your Children
Remember that as parents, we can’t shield our children from every potential danger, but we can support them with the right knowledge, skills, and tools to navigate the world safely. Encouraging open communication, teaching them to trust their instincts, and using practical tools like GPS tracking can give you peace of mind while granting them the independence they deserve.
Ultimately, it’s about finding the balance between protecting them and allowing them to grow into confident, capable individuals who know how to stay safe in any situation. Trust in your guidance, and rest assured that your efforts will help them thrive safely and securely in their world.
