Stay Safer on Summer Adventures

With summer's warmer weather and sunshine, your family is finding reasons to leave the house that was a cozy retreat all winter. As your family spends more time outside, take some time to remind your kids of ways to stay safer away from home:

• Teach your kids to ask you before leaving home and to stay with a friend whenever they're playing outside or walking anywhere.
  
  
• Talk to your children about how to locate help at theme parks, sports stadiums, shopping malls, and other public places. Identify those people who are safe to ask for help, such as law enforcement, security guards, and store clerks with name tags. Make it a point to practice each time you take a trip; quiz your children on the things they should look for.
  
  
• Teach your children that if anyone tries to grab them, they should make a scene and make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming, and resisting. Set up role-play situations at home to practice.
  
  
• Take a trip to the neighborhood playground. While there, check to make sure all the equipment is well-maintained, and talk to your children about how to play safely.

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 17 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com