Five Ways to Keep Your Kids Safe as They Go Out Into the World

It doesn’t matter if you’re dropping your child off at preschool for the first time or you just dropped your child off at college, as a parent, you will never stop worrying about them. Fortunately, you don’t have to turn them loose in the world and hope for the best. There are plenty of things you can do, no matter what your child’s age, to support them as they interact with the world without you.

1. Be Mindful of Their Time Spent at Church

You have probably heard of the trouble the church has had within the last few decades. It’s true that inappropriate relationships are uncommon, but if your family is active in the church, it is one place where your child is likely to spend a lot of time without you. Don’t find yourself part of the $4 billion in judgments and settlements against the church.

Eliminate the time your child spends with other adults at church alone. Make sure they are always participating in a group. You can also find other things to do in the church while your child is there. Your presence is usually enough to eliminate any uncomfortable situations. Not to mention, it gives you the chance to get to know the people your child spends time with better.

2. Check in With Your Child’s School

It’s important to check in with your child to make sure they aren’t being bullied at school. Unfortunately, not all kids are forthcoming when they’re struggling in school. That’s why you have to talk to the school as well.

Talk to the principal about bullying in the school. That includes policies that are in place to prevent it, as well as what is done if bullying is discovered.

You should also speak with your child’s teacher about their interpersonal and emotional skills, as well as how they’re doing in class. Ask if they make friends easily, if they play with other kids at recess, and which kids they like to spend the most time with. It can help you catch and deal with problems sooner rather than later.

3. Create a Secret Code

Teaching your kids about strangers is complicated. You want your kids to be friendly to strangers because most people have good hearts. However, you also want to teach them to be cautious, because not everyone has good intentions.

Creating a secret question or code will give your child the power to speak with strangers while staying safe. For example, if an adult claims that they have been sent to pick them up and take them somewhere, have your child ask for the secret password. Most potential abductors will hit the road as soon as your child asks.

It may also mean creating a secret message that can be spoken over the phone. If your child is uncomfortable, have them text or call and say a specific phrase. That way you can come and get them without them having to ask and being overheard.

4. Teach Them Cell Phone Safety

Cell phone safety is important too. The trouble is, most parents focus on social media and apps. That’s important, but you should also talk about distracted walking.

Distracted walking can be dangerous because it can:

• Cause you to trip, fall, or run into large objects.
• Occupy your attention, making it easier to be pickpocketed or abducted.
• Cause you to be hit by a car, a bicycle, or another pedestrian.

Children, especially college-age kids, would do well to keep their phone in their pocket and walk with their head up to assess their surroundings.

5. Keep Lines of Communication Open

No matter how aware you think you are, there are always going to be things happening in your child’s life that you don’t know about. Getting your kid to talk about their experiences is important, even if it isn’t easy.

Strive to listen with an open mind and avoid being judgmental. Avoid dishing out advice unless your child asks for it. Be present with your child so you can cue into whether they are feeling sad, but be aware that they might not want to talk about it. If you’re supportive and understanding, they will be more likely to approach you with their problems throughout their life.

As a parent, you will always worry about your child’s safety, no matter how old there are. From preschool to college and beyond, these tips can help you keep your kid safe.

You may like this

• What Should a Child Get from Preschool?
• One of Parenting’s Biggest Challenges: Getting Kids Back to School
• Child Too Quiet After Coming Back From School? Here’s How You Can Help