How to Teach Your Child To Be Safe At School

Sending your child to school can be a fun and exciting time. But it can also be a scary time for the parent. Every parent knows that they worry about their child when they are not with them. Teaching your child how to remain safe, even at school, will help ease your stress and make you feel better. Follow the tips below to help your child be safe at school.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a child in school
• time
• patience
• code word
• knowledge of the school your child attends

1. The first thing you need to do is read the school handbook. This will inform you of the different policies and procedures that your child's school enforces. Then you will need to make a list of everything you would like to talk to your child about. If they child is older, then you can talk to them about everything. If the child is younger, then you will need to break up the information into several small talks as they cannot retain as much information in a long period of time.

2. Next, assign your child a code word. This word can be anything, its usually good for the word to be different or something special only to your family. Do not tell this word to anyone except your immediate family. Tell your child the same. This way if someone other than family is going to pick up your child and your child does not know they are supposed to pick them up, you can give the adult your password and they can tell your child. This way it is safe for your child to go with the adult. The password rules out the old " your mom said it was OK!" Instill in your child time and time again that they do not go with anyone unless a parent says so or if the adult gives them the password. After using the password, change it so you can remain safe.

3. Next, explain to your child that if they see inappropriate behavior going on they MUST tell an adult. Example: guns, knives, or other weapons, talk of using weapons, sexual behavior, fighting, etc. Explain to them that telling is the right thing to do even though their friends may become angry.

4. Also make sure that your child knows never to stray from their class, or go a route they may be unfamiliar with. If you pick up your child from school, make sure you tell them to walk with a friend to the designated pick up spot. Make sure to tell them never to Roam the halls or walkways alone. Tell them to find help if they ever get lost or to yell Fire if they are ever threatened.

5. Most importantly, keep an open mind and an open door. Always ask your child about their day, and just talk to them. Start when they are young, asking about their teachers or coaches and friends, and that way if there is ever a problem, they can come to you and talk about it, without hiding it.

Tips & Warnings

• Always talk to your child
• Stay familiar with goings on at school
• attend PTA and Open houses at the school
• buddy system
• Remind your child that other children and teenagers can do bad things as well not just adults.

[russellcox]

on 8/1/2009 Even though we know our child is in good hands with his or her teacher, these steps can bring a little more peace of mind to parents who are worried about those first days of school.

[almondspecial]

on 2/17/2009 Excellent article and well written .Thank you

[Rattanji]

on 10/3/2008 Very good informative article.

[luv2blog]

on 8/15/2008 This is something every parent should read. Thanks!

[vikki9]

on 8/12/2008 Very important to be aware and involved.