Safety "Tips for Tots"

As parents, share these “Tips for Tots” with your children who are too young to read. It is important you do not frighten your child but repeat the information often. Children learn from repetition, just like in play school. Teach them the following:

  • Never get into a car with a stranger.
  • Always play with a friend — “Be a buddy”.
  • Do not take presents or money from strangers.
  • If a car pulls up where you are playing, back away and run either home or to a safe place — a block parent, store or other public place.
  • Teach your children where a safe house is in your neighbourhood.
  • Teach your children to yell loudly for help and run if they are followed by foot or by car.
  • Make sure your children learn your phone number and have them practice dialing the number, including the area code.

 

 

  • Make sure they know their address and how to get home from friends. Are there landmarks for them to watch for?
  • Give your children a code word and teach them to go only with someone who knows that “special word”. Make it simple and reiterate often.
  • Teach your children never to open the door if ever home alone. Teach them to dial the police if the person persists.
  • Never let anyone touch them in a way they do not like — especially in any area covered by a bathing suit. If they do, they need to tell you at once.
  • Tell them it is not wrong to tell you the truth. You would be proud of them.
  • Never go anywhere without permission.

Sometimes if you teach several children at the same time, it is a better learning experience. Repeat these Tips often. Young children have a short memory span. Be sure to assure them of your love and approval.