Keep Your Children Safe This School Year

School just started, so let’s review once again as we did last year on how to help prepare our children to be safe.
Some involve role-playing for kids 5 to 7. Role-playing is a great technique to use with children because of their preference for the visual.

I hope the following will be helpful to you:
Never place your child’s name on any piece of clothing that is visible to anyone. You do not want to make them a target for a stranger to call out to by name.
Make sure your child knows his or her full name, phone number, parents’ full names, address and a work phone number. It is not helpful when officers find children who do not know their full names or addresses.

Through- out the year talk to your child about drugs, strangers and any weapon that they might see or hear about, a bully or any related concerns. Let the child know that such information should be reported to the teacher and to you immediately.

If your child is going into a new school or going to school for the first time, ask her whether there is anything that frightens or makes her uncomfortable. Share that information with the teacher or schools police; officers are well-trained in safety issues.

As a parent, you should check with your child’s school regarding policies and procedures on emergency situations so you are not frightened if there is a lock-down. If you know the policies and procedures, you can calmly pick up your child when it’s appropriate.
If your child rides the school bus, talk to him about how to behave. If your child has to wait alone at a bus stop, stress to him not to accept rides from strangers.

If older kids ride with a friend, make sure that you speak to them about wearing seat belts. Do not assume that your child knows even the basic facts about safety and other risks.
Set up a regular calling time to know when your child arrives at home.

Another good idea is getting your child involved in school organizations and programs.
Parents should get involved in the school PTA -- this will help they foster good relationships with teachers and administrators.

Let’s all start this school year with safety in mind for the sake of our children but let’s not forget other safety issues that adults must heed such as watching the speed in school zones and wearing seat belts at all times.

Remember, adults are the role models for their children. As always, feel free to contact our office for safety literature on various topics or visit our website: www.citizenscrimewatch.com for safety links.

Until next time be safe, be alert and be involved. RL
Carmen Caldwell is executive director of the Citizens’ Crime Watch of Miami-Dade. Send feedback and news for this column to her at cmcwatch@citizens
crimewatch.com, or call her, 305-470-1670.


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