The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and good cheer. But it can also be a time of heightened risk for children who are not supervised or do not have the necessary safety measures in place. Here are some tips to ensure your child’s safety during this festive season.
1) Be Present At All Times
Establish a holiday routine and stick to it. When parents are present, children feel secure as they know what is expected of them and the boundaries set for their behavior. If you have to leave your child with another adult during this time, make sure they know exactly how long you will be gone and when you’ll return (including travel time). Then follow through on that commitment – won’t change plans or extend your trip without letting everyone involved know first. Always prepare an emergency kit before leaving home if there’s a problem while traveling: money, phone numbers, medications, etc. Make sure all electronics such as phones are fully charged so if something goes wrong, help can easily be reached.
2) Keep Up With The Neighbourhood News
Talk to your neighbors and find out what events or activities will occur in the neighborhood during the holidays. This can help you plan ahead and be aware of any potential dangers. If there is a parade or fireworks show in your area, for example, make sure your child knows not to run into the street without looking both ways and stay away from large crowds. If anything changes while you are away – like an unfamiliar person moving into the house next door – be sure to update your child when they return home. It’s also helpful to have their full name, age, and photograph if something happens and they get lost. A “neighbor-watch” program can be a great way to keep tabs on what’s happening.
3) Keep In Touch
Ensure that your child has a way to contact you no matter where they are. If the only phone number they know is at home, make sure there’s always an emergency cell phone nearby so if something does happen, help can easily be reached. Children should also know how to call 911 and what information needs to be given in case of an emergency (name, location, etc.) Never leave children unattended with strangers – even for just a few minutes while running into the store. It may seem harmless, but it could prove deadly if something goes wrong!
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4) Restrict Social Media Access
With so much happening online during the holidays, it’s important to restrict your child’s access to social media websites. Too much exposure can lead to unsafe behaviors such as talking to strangers or divulging personal information. However, plenty of age-appropriate apps and websites can keep children entertained without putting them at risk. Click here to find out how to put parental controls on iPhone.
5) Create A Set Of Rules
Sit down with your children and create a set of rules for the holidays. This can include not going into strangers’ homes, not eating anything they haven’t seen you eat or drink first, and staying away from large crowds. If something happens that breaks one of the rules, make sure there is an agreed-upon consequence in place so that everyone knows what to expect. These rules should be reviewed frequently, especially as new situations arise (like a pet at home that wasn’t there before).
6) Track Location
If your child is old enough, consider using a tracking app to track their whereabouts. This can be helpful in situations where you need to know they’re safe but don’t have time to call or text. Many free and paid apps are available that allow parents to see their child’s location in real-time.
7) Have A Curfew
If your child stays home alone during the holidays, make sure there is a set curfew. This can be anything from “no one allowed out after dark” to “everyone needs to be inside by 11 pm.” It’s important to have some structure during this time so that children know what’s expected of them.
8) Create A Bond Of Trust
The most important thing you can do during the holidays is to create a bond of trust with your children. Let them know that they can come to you with anything – no matter how small or embarrassing it may be. This will help them feel safe and comfortable talking to you about anything, even if something terrible happens. Building this relationship now will only benefit your child in the future!
In conclusion, the holidays can be a fun and exciting time for children, but it’s essential to take precautions to keep them safe. By following these simple tips, you can rest easy knowing that your child is well-protected!