Ten (10) general safety rules that your child should know

Every parent worries about the safety of their children. Being a parent can be a scary thing because you want to do everything in your power to keep your child safe, but you also know that it's impossible to be with them every moment of every day. This is why it's extremely important to talk to your child and teach them about personal safety and home security. Education and an open line of communication are your best chance at keeping your child safe at all times. Here are a few tips to teach your child, and tips for you. And we hope you will comment on this post to add any great safety rules that have helped you and your family.

Home Security and Your Child. Here are the first four safety rules.

1. Go with your child around the house and discuss the different kinds of things that he or she should be aware of. This is helpful for children because they often learn by seeing and doing and not just being told something. If you take your child to the stove and show them what not to do, they will understand it more than just telling them not to touch the stove.
2. Post important safety numbers on the wall near the telephone. This list should include the police, poison control, a trusted neighbor, and your home alarm company. Explain to your child what each of the numbers are and when it an appropriate time to use them.
3. Talk to your child about home fire safety and what to do in case of a fire. It can be helpful to come up with a plan in case this occurs and practice this with your child so you are sure that he or she completely understands what to do.
4. Tell your child to be careful when dealing with strangers even from within the home and NEVER let a stranger a stranger in or go with any stranger without your consent.  At what age children can be left alone at home, even for a few minutes, is something we don't always agree on but we can agree that these children would be good readers. We suggest a TODO list when they are uncomfortable if a stranger comes to the door.
5. Here are some options:
   1. Make sure the child has a phone they can use right away
   2. Have the child call 911 and explain that there is a stranger and they are uncomfortable.
   3. Tell the stranger outside the door that 911 has been called
   4. Call the parent's cell
   5. List the phone number of a neighbor who is normally home and tell the child to call them to say they are uncomfortable.

We would love you to add to this list of things that you have told your child to do. If we all work together all of our children are safer.

Outside of the Home

The same rules apply to strangers in the street. Every parent is well versed in instructing their children against talking to or going with a stranger. Here are six more safety rules

1. Make sure your child practices caution and stay alert while playing outside. He or she should be aware of the dangers of the street, such as cars, buses, and motorcycles. Make sure they use helmets and other safety equipment when biking, skating, or skateboarding.
2. Develop the habit of putting on your seatbelt every time you get in the car and instructing your child to do the same.
3. Encourage your child to talk to you about any and everything. It's important that your child understand that there is nothing that they can tell you that is going to make you angry with them. This will make them feel more comfortable and safe if they ever have a problem that they need help with. Encourage them to come to you with any questions or concerns about their personal or home security.
4. Know the address, phone number: It is very important for your kids to know your name, house and office address and contact numbers. In case of emergency, they should be able to share the details with someone. So the first step is to help your child memorize this important information. Regular practice will help a lot
5. Don't share any personal details with anyone: Your kids should understand that it is very unsafe to share any sort of personal details like pictures, email ids, phone numbers with strangers. If they have to share anything, then it should only be with your consent.
6. Educate them on how to cross the roads and the meaning of common safety signs and traffic lights.

What can you add to this article that keeps all of our children safe?