Raising Children Who Understand the Importance of Safety: 10 Tips to Utilize

All parents want to prepare their children for the dangers of the world. After all, life can throw a number of challenges at anybody of any age, which is why being prepared is so important. While some parents may want to shield their children from every danger, it's simple not possible. Use the following ten tips to ensure that your child or children are ready to take on the world by themselves: 

1. Teach your children the difference between good and bad strangers

While it may not be a pleasant thought, it's incredibly important to teach your child the difference between a stranger who is good and a stranger who is bad. The vast majority of strangers a child meets, such as an old friend of yours from the gym or a teacher from their school who they aren't in class with, will not have bad intentions.

With that said, it's important to teach your child the signs of a stranger who does have bad intentions. Whether it be tempting a child with candy or an adult asking for help, make sure your children recognize dishonesty in a person. 

2. Show your child how to respond in the event of injury

All parents hope to be around if their child has some type of injury, but it's possible that you may not be in the immediate area when one occurs. By showing your child where medical supplies are and how to use basic materials, you can ensure your child can take care of smaller injuries on their own without you in the room. 

3. Show your children who trustworthy individuals are in society

For injuries that may be more severe in life, it's important to teach a child who the members of society that can help are. Show your child how to contact emergency services and tell them when it is appropriate to do so, such as when there is a life-threatening emergency or a fire. This can also help your child understand who they can walk up to in public if they have a problem. 

4. Instruct your children on the importance of body safety

Children are innocent, which is why it's important to teach them all about body safety. Serving as a troubling statistic, one in nine girls and one in fifty-three boys are the victim of sexual abuse or assault at the hands of an adult. Teach your child about their body and how to speak up if someone is crossing their personal boundaries.  

5. Place an emphasis on street and car safety rules

Children will spend a large amount of their life walking around near cars and being in cars. This is why ensuring they understand the rules of the road as both a passenger and pedestrian is so important. Show your child how to check for oncoming traffic, when it's safe to cross, and other helpful tips. Additionally, teach your child to buckle up in a car and what to do in an accident. 

As they get older, consider teaching them more advanced topics such as the four crucial elements to establish a negligence claim in an accident that isn't their fault so that they are legally protected. 

6. Ensure your child knows what your real name is

While your child calling you "mom" or "dad" is great as a sign of respect and love, it isn't helpful in an emergency where your child needs to find or contact you. Ensure your child understands you have a real name and what that name is, along with when they should use it. 

7. Demonstrate what unhealthy and healthy behaviors look like

As a parent, you are a role model for your child. This means that they look up to you and they will mirror your actions in life. Whether those actions are good or bad is irrelevant to a child growing up. Ensure your child understands what healthy behavior looks like, as opposed to unhealthy behavior. 

8. Create a safety plan with your children in the event of an accident

Should your child ever get lost in a store or in some other location, having a safety plan in place can help. This plan should include a meeting point, authoritative figures your child can talk to, and other similar action items for your kid. 

9. Prioritize communication when something seems amiss

A communicative household is a happier household in almost every way. Show your child that it is perfectly alright to speak up and voice any concerns they have or to tell you about anything that has happened which they may erroneously believe would make you angry. Ensure that your child understands that you are always there to listen to what they have to say. 

10. Show your children how to care for a personal space

Finally, a part of growing up is eventually getting your own space that you care for, whether it be a house or an apartment. Show your child that having this responsibility is nothing to scoff at, which means taking care of any space they have is important. Start instilling this in them by taking care of your own home but allowing them to take care of their own space. Step in if things start to get messy, but allow your child to have a little independence with the space they do have around them. 

Raise vigilant children today

The vast majority of dangers the average person will face in the world are relatively trivial but preparing for even the smallest danger can help a person overcome their situation regardless of how big or small it may be. As a parent, it's your duty to ensure that your child grows up to be independent and capable of thriving in society on their own. Do this by using the above ten tips to give your children the skills they need to survive everything life throws at them.