You may not always be able to be close to your baby, so it is worth making sure that the child knows how to behave in potentially dangerous situations.
The safety of our children is a very urgent topic, given the time in which we live. According to statistics from the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, in the first three months of 2015 alone, 4,500 children became victims of violent crimes. Of these, 90 were kidnapped and killed, 340 were raped, and 1100 were victims of molestation, including by a close relative. Unfortunately, we will not always be able to be close to our baby, so you should make sure in advance that the child knows and understands how he should behave in situations of potential danger.
There are a number of simple rules and skills that, having taught their baby, each parent can feel much calmer. These rules are not a panacea that can guarantee your child 100% safety, but knowing them, any child will be able to sound the alarm in time and ask for help either to you or to those around him.
If the child is lost or lost
Children, by their nature, are very active people and sometimes it can happen that, after staring at a beautiful car or playing with his toy, a child can lag behind his parents and get lost. This happens especially often in crowded places: shopping centers, beaches, water parks, etc. If this happens, then he must know in advance whom he can turn to for help: police officers, guards of salesrooms or other special personnel... When going somewhere, explain to your child what these good uncles and aunts look like. Also learn with him:
- his name and surname;
- the address where he lives;
- the names of his parents and close relatives;
- home phone number or mom and dad numbers.
Having memorized this information, periodically recite it with your child, or even better, in a role-playing form, rehearse such situations at home.
When a stranger asks your toddler
Recently, in one of the news stories, a journalist, together with a psychologist, conducted an experiment. She, by prior arrangement with the parents, checked whether it was possible to steal the child from the apartment. A big shock for the parents was the fact that the children boldly opened the door after Aunt Yulia said that she was a friend of her mother and came on her behalf to take the baby to her. This preposition worked in 100% of cases, and, as practice shows, children readily believe in it.
You can protect your child from such manipulations by people with criminal intentions by coming up with a special password. Tell the kid not to go anywhere with someone who does not know this password. The door is also not worth opening. And also - and this is very important - tell the little girl that this password is your secret with him and no one should know about its existence.
Teach your child to use the Internet
Today, almost every home has a computer and the Internet. Most often, our children use them and many parents, unfortunately, do not even think about the harm that thoughtless use of these devices can cause. Pop-ups with pornographic and sadistic content can be traumatic for a child. And inadvertently, an open message containing a virus or phishing program can lead to the loss of personal data. The Internet is the place where all kinds of scammers and molesters feel especially safe and free. Therefore, before allowing your child to use the computer on their own, explain to him:
- What information should not be posted on the Internet and why. For example, in 2010, a wave of burglaries swept across Europe by several criminals. They learned from social networks when the owners were planning a vacation and robbed houses during their absence. Therefore, it would be wise to explain to your child that it is very dangerous to post information about yourself or your parents, their work and time when no one is at home.
- Describe the range of sites that your child can visit without your supervision. At the same time, remember that any prohibition must be well substantiated and conveyed in its language.
- The same rules for communicating with strangers apply on the Internet as in everyday life.
Well, make an effort yourself to make the use of the Internet safe for your child: install parental control programs on your computer.
Explain to your child the power of the word "no"
Children are naturally very active, but they know little, and molesters often play on this ignorance. Tell the little one that you shouldn't agree to the offers of strangers - teach him to say "no". Let the baby know and be able to use this word. Explain to him that when someone outside tries to touch him, and he is not pleased or it scares him, he should loudly call for help.
Also, the word “no” will help your child to resist the pressure of his peers when they try to force him to do something reprehensible, for example, take a cigarette or steal money from mom. Say that saying “no” is showing strength, not weakness - this will help him throughout his life.
Every literate child
I must firmly know from the cradle:
If your name is to swim,
And even act in films,
They promise to give candy
Answer firmly ... (no!)
You will be offered a monkey
Or even money to the bank
Or even a circus ticket
Answer firmly ... (no!)
They will call you to fly to the moon
Ride an elephant ...
There is a simple answer to everything ... (no!)
Communication with unfamiliar uncles and aunts
This rule has something in common with the second, and the recommendations are basically the same - not to talk to strangers. It's just that the second rule gives advice on how to act for the child when communication has taken place and they are trying to persuade him to do something, although it would be best if you explain to the child that such conversations should not be. Most parents teach this to their children, and this is good, but it is important that the child knows how to use it in different situations, for example, when strangers want to give him something.
Gifts and treats from strangers are not acceptable
Children like to receive gifts, especially sweet ones, and kidnappers actively use this. therefore your baby should know that it is forbidden to pick up gifts or treats from strangers... The only exception is your permission. Play this situation at home so that the baby understands how to do it.
When a child wants to go somewhere
Make a clear rule that if your child wants to leave somewhere, no matter at what age, you should know where and with whom he will be... For example, in a toy store on a sales floor, a child wanted to see something in the next window - let him first inform you about it so that you have the opportunity to observe it. This is important as toy shops, mall nurseries and playgrounds are some of the favorite spots for kidnappers.
Emergency telephone numbers
Extreme situations, such as a fire or a heart attack with a grandmother, most often happen exactly when no one is waiting for them. Adults know how to act in such circumstances, but for a child it can be serious stress, he can get confused and not know what to do. Therefore, memorize with him the emergency numbers where he could ask for help.
Do not walk alone
It doesn't matter how old your child is, single walks from school home, on the contrary, to school, or from guests in the dark, can turn out to be extremely negative consequences for him. Most often, rapists or robbers attack those children who walk alone along the street. One wise book says: “Two are better than one. For if one falls, the other will lift up his fellow ”(Ecclesiastes 4: 9,10). Therefore, if your child is going to go somewhere or from somewhere, let him do it either with a friend or with an adult.
Explain to your child the rules of behavior at home when he is alone
Children often stay at home alone for a variety of reasons, and if your baby has a clear understanding of what can be done at home when he is alone and what is not, this will protect his life. Explain to the child which appliances he can use independently and which not. Teach him how to use gas and electricity. And also explain to him that the doors cannot be opened at all while he is at home alone.
These rules are not a panacea and even the most careful people become victims of criminals, but if you can convey these thoughts to your baby, the probability that trouble will happen to him will be minimal. In addition, during such communication, you will get closer to your child even more.
- A stranger sticks to a child - what should children do?
- 10 questions that a child should not answer strangers (and even familiar people)
Children's safety on the street
How to teach a child to be alert? If the child is small, the main prevention is control. Do not go out late at night, meet your child from school.
