It’s important our kids are aware of any potential dangers – so without scaring them we need to ensure they’re educated on some basic safety rules.
From how to approach strangers if they become separated from us, to what secrets they shouldn't keep, here are the most important safety rules we should teach them as soon as they're old enough to understand:
Only ‘tricky’ adults ask for help
A ‘safe’ adult won’t ask kids for help, but a ‘tricky’ one will. Explain to your kids that safe adults ask other adults for help, so if a grown-up asks them for help, they are tricky, and can’t be trusted. This is a simple and effective way to help them understanding who can and can’t be trusted.
Their body is theirs
Our kids should know they have control over their body, and no one ought to touch it in a way that makes them feel upset or uncomfortable. It’s crucial they know that if such a situation arises, they have to tell mum, dad or another grown-up they trust immediately.
Never keep ‘unsafe secrets’
We are all entitled to keep secrets, but kids should know that they cannot keep ‘unsafe’ secrets. Explain that they shouldn’t keep a problem a secret, touch a secret, or presents someone gives them a secret. Anything that makes them feel worried or uncomfortable is an ‘unsafe’ secret and they need to tell their mum or dad right away.
Mum and dad’s full names and addresses
In case they get separated from you in a public place it’s important they have your full name and address. This means people will be calling your actual name, instead of “Mum”.
Not all strangers are dangerous
We do want our kids to approach an adult for help in case we become separated, so one suggestion is to explain to them that if they can’t find us, to ask help from another mum with kids.
