Review safety tips with your children for happy holidays!
With the holidays quickly approaching, the last thing anyone wants to worry about is a lost or missing child. Whether heading to the mall or a busy airport, now is the perfect time to review important personal safety steps with children. A few minutes of preparation can help ensure safer and happier holidays...and peace of mind.
Wherever you go, pick a place to meet in case you become lost or separated, such as an information booth or the entrance to a favorite store.
Make sure your child can recite his/her full name, address and phone number. Sometimes putting this information in a simple song helps younger children learn more easily. (Do not put names on the outside of a child’s clothing.)
Teach your child that, if lost or in danger, he/she can locate a public phone and dial 9-1-1 for free. Unplug a phone and practice at home with a younger child.
Keep children with you. Don’t let them play in the toy or video game sections while you shop. Never let your child use a public restroom alone.
Instruct your child to approach a police officer if he/she becomes separated from you. If an officer or employee is not in sight, the next best person to ask for help is a woman with children. (Your child should not go anywhere with her; simply ask her to find help.)
If you do become separated, instruct your child to never exit an area, such as a store or movie theatre, even if the person helping asks your child to step outside.
Remind your child not to go into houses of neighbors your family doesn’t know very well. Go over a list of acceptable neighbors.
Make sure older children who are shopping with relatives or friends have a charged cell phone, calling card or some way to reach you at all times.
No matter how busy you are, take time to listen to your child. If he/she is uncomfortable around someone or does not wish to be left alone with certain people, respect your child’s wishes and look into the situation.
I’m Safe offers effective Personal Safety education materials for preschool and elementary age children.
During December, you can purchase most of these materials at 10% off AND enjoy free shipping.
Here are some examples:
I'm Smart About People Activity Book: This tool helps parents and caregivers teach children ages 4-9 valuable personal safety skills. I'm Smart about People has been tested by parents and children and reviewed by experts including individuals from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Child Rescue Network and Crimestoppers.
Our new, easy-to-use Personal Safety kit for preschools and Head Start helps children avoid child predators and know what to do if they get lost.
Oversized Storybook: This rhyming large format storybook for preschool-K includes two stories: My Personal Information and What to Do If I Get Lost. Easy to use, big book flip chart format. Laminated.
For more information about the Personal Safety Education Kit or any I’m Safe product, please call us toll free at 877-NOW-SAFE (1-877-669-7233), ext. 205 or log on to www.imsafe.com.
