5 Things to teach your children about strangers Part II:Practical Advice

We spoke earlier about the basics about strangers and what kids ought to know. Now, here are some practical suggestions you can teach your children in the second part of dealing with strangers.

Have basic rules when it comes to handling strangers.

We all have rules to follow, so make sure your child understands these rules .

1. Check with a trusted adult (parents, teacher, policeman etc) before talking/standing nearby a stranger. This lets the stranger know that they are being watched and thus, deterred from doing anything dangerous to your son or daughter.

2. Never give out personal information: If they are ‘friends’ of the family, they should know information about you and your family. So don’t give away your home address, phone number, email etc.

3. If you are asked to go anywhere, tell the adult in charge who you’re going with, the destination you’re going and what you plan to do and what time you’re planning on coming back (if possible).

Teach your children what to do to stay safe

What can your children do in case they get lost? 

Despite our best efforts sometimes things can still go wrong. Nevertheless, make sure that you arm your child by giving them an action plan in case something happens.

4. Ensure they memorize your home address and phone number. If your child is young consider having a bracelet/tag with your name, number and address on it so that they can be identified.

Help Children identify trusted strangers, like policeman, just in case.

5. Roleplay situations: Ask them ‘what if’ questions. For example, if you’re separated when going to a theme park/supermarket etc tell them to meet at a certain place.

E.g: If you’re taking them to a theme park and they go missing, they will know to go back to say, the entrance of the theme park/lost and found tent so that they can be picked up safe and sound.

We hope that you liked this particular list. If you have any more to add, do let us know!

Disclaimer: The views shared in this blog are based on the macro economic conditions & industry status quo as per the time of publishing.

Safe decorating guide for Christmas

Safety should be the last thing one wants to hear during the holidays. However, people make mistakes and accidents do happen. Follow these tips to ensure that you and your family enjoy a safe, memorable season.

Christmas tree safety

• If possible, consider investing in an artificial Christmas tree. They last for years, require no water, is fire resistant and is much easier to assemble and clean.

• When decorating, make sure that you keep the place free of smaller decor and items which break easily, especially among little children (choking hazard) and pets (potential injury)

• If you need to get to the top to hang a star, or to attach any other decorations from a height, ensure that you use a ladder and a spotter. The spotter will ensure that they will hold onto to the ladder, and pass you the decorations. Besides, its always more fun doing decorations with people you care about!

Image Credit: SafetyBanners

Firework safety

• If you decide to use fireworks this year, please ensure that you are present to supervise teenagers.

• Know how the fireworks are supposed to react, this could be the difference between enjoying them, or getting badly burnt.

• Do not use fireworks under the influence of alcohol.

Light safety

• Thoroughly inspect each strand of lights. Look for broken light bulbs, frayed wires, loose connections and broken sockets. Once you locate them, dispose of them immediately as these presents a major safety hazard.

• Make it a point to switch off the lights when you leave the house or go to sleep. There is a chance, however small that they could short out and start a fire.

We hope you find this information useful and have a safe & enjoyable holiday season!

Disclaimer: The views shared in this blog are based on the macro economic conditions & industry status quo as per the time of publishing.