General Preventions

I just learned that a friend's child was attacked on Halloween. This made me so upset! I have heard adults say unsavory things about children during Trick or Treat, and would never allow my children to go without an adult. In general we should teach school-aged children to keep their parents or guardians informed of where they are going to be, and who they'll be with, and what they'll be doing. At first you may get some resistance with this approach, but if they wish to go out, they'll soon enough get on board! Remind them that after all, your job is to raise them, and protecting them is part of that job.

Alot of parents tell me that they are just too stressed out to be that attentive. That's just a cop out. More accidents and crimes against children happen when parents are inattentive and not spending time with their children. Wouldn't any parent take precautions if they KNEW that they would stop an accident or attack? Of course you would! So, I suggest that you do act like you know that being involved will stop an incident. Don't go overboard and become paranoid, though. We all need some breathing room, especially teenagers. But being involved and knowing where your child is, who they are with, and what they are doing can help you find them in an emergency, know who the bad influences may be, know whose parents you need to talk to, and what your child likes or dislikes. It is not unreasonable to know what's going on in your own child's life when they are out of your sight, despite what they may tell you.

If your child is very active, and you can't possibly attend all of their events, games, etc. see if there is a grandparent, uncle, aunt or friend who can be there for them. Then be sure to ask them how it went. If your child is adventuresome and is prone to going a little too far to satisfy their curiousity, then set up weekly times for library, museum, game or movie dates to keep their curiousity busy. Impulsive children must be monitered closely. Invite friends to come to your home where they can be supervised, or be honest with the friends' parents about your child's problems such as ADHD, which may cause your child to do impulsive things. Disabled children are more vulnerable to accidents than others.

Raising your child is your job. They are wonderful, vulnerable little people who should be protected and not left to the cold streets for an upbringing. All of the studies done on the subject, show how important it is for adults to be involved in a child's life. Being involved is not being nosy. Your child needs to learn that. Your job is to protect them from things that they are not savy enough to protect themselves from yet. I don't care how busy your life is, you need to be involved! It makes all of the difference. If you can't be there yourself, make sure a trusted adult is their to supervise and guide them. Always ask how their day at school, practice, outings, went. Then LISTEN. A "wild child" who is always "on", will only grow worse if turned out at daybreak and called in at sunset. Be honest with yourself enough to not believe that your unsupervised children are safe and not getting into trouble. It only takes a second for a bad decision to become a tragedy.

Until next blog!

Love, Angelia
www.worksofheart.bravehost.com