A family gathering with aunts, uncles, and cousins, is a perfect time to let your child know that these are the people to trust. However, teaching your kids to be wary of inappropriate behavior of these same people is not bad. It is never too early to begin teaching your children about personal safety as simple as possible.
When you visit malls or supermarkets, you can say to your children that there are times when it is dangerous to approach or talk to a stranger or worse is to walk away with them.
Some guidance office in schools has safety programs for the children in which parents and teachers can participate. You can always inquire from the administration office, if they do not have one, you can initiate it and ask the cooperation of other concerned parents.
Children should be properly educated about the advances that might be made to them by a stranger, a friend or even a relative. Children should be taught that if such advances are made to them, they should immediately get out of the situation and approach their parents about the incident.
An oftentimes child who has been molested remained timid, quiet, and has a deep sense of guilt about their participation in the incident and they also fear that they would be blamed. Children should know that he/she is free to talk things out to his/her parents about this and that you as parents are willing to listen with an open arms, heart, and mind.
Most troubled kids come from homes where children cannot communicate to their parents effectively. Lots of kids who abuse alcohol or drugs have parents who either use or have used them, and therefore they thought that what they are doing is also right.
As parents you have to be aware and look for warning signs that your children are using or starting to use drugs or alcohol. When these children know more than parents do about drugs and alcohol, chances are they can easily be strained away and do unimaginable things.
Children are also becoming the fast and latest victim of theft and are often injured and worst killed over a pair of shoes or their money for snacks or lunch. Parents and the school authorities bear the responsibilities for such assaults to children. They should be taught on how to respond properly in situations like this. Children should know that it is important to inform school officials and parents such incidents and assured them that something will be done to apprehend the perpetrators.
As you teach your children about this big bad world, embrace your children and let them feel that it can also be a peaceful world to live and that joy and success are achievable.
Children would know about their personal safety if parents would teach them in a rational and calm way. Teach them the values and open doors for different opportunities, if you do that - their common sense would teach them how to respond properly in a given situation.
