School Transportation Safety
How will your child get to school? Will he take the bus, walk, ride his bike, or drive, or will you or a friend drive him? Each of these modes of transportation have their own safety risks that should be reviewed.Is your child's route to school safe? Does he have to cross any major roadways? Is he always supervised or with a friend? Does he know what to do if a stranger approaches him on the way to school?
Taking the time to make sure your child has a safe route to school, knows how to cross the street and has a safe place to go if a stranger approaches him, will help to make sure that he gets to school safely.
For more information: Children's Safety.
Afterschool
What will your child do afterschool? Will he be home alone? Before you leave your child at home alone, you should make sure that he feels safe and comfortable and can handle the responsibility. Most children are not ready to be left alone until they are at least eleven or twelve years old, but it will depend on your child's maturity level. You may want to gradually let him stay home alone for very short times to make sure he is ready. Some things to review before you leave your teen home alone include:- Make sure that he is comfortable staying home alone.
- He should know his full name, address and phone number. He should also know how to reach you at work.
- He should know how to deal with situations that may arise while he is alone. He should know to not open the door if someone knocks in any situation (you can review different situations that may occur). He should not open the door even if they say they have an important package or if they say they are a policeman. Instead of opening the door in uncertain situations, he should know to call you first.
Childproof the home. Remove guns and lock away alcohol or medicines. Be clear about any restrictions that you may have, including not using the stove or other appliances.
