Summer Safety Tips for Kids

The last day of school has finally arrived and summer vacation is an exciting time for kids.  Whether it’s family vacation, biking in the neighborhood, new summer camp experiences, or playing XBOX 360 Live way past their bedtime, summer is fun, to be sure.  But summer can also pose some serious safety hazards that parents might not think about until it’s too late.

As a martial arts instructor, I always think “safety first,” but I must confess that, as a mom, safety talks can sometimes be overlooked in the hustle and bustle of family life.  And, I'm sure my kids think I'm a nag.  "Yeah, Ma, I know."  "Ok, Ma, I will [__________] wear a helmet, call when I get there, fill in the blank."  

In addition to teaching kids all of the fun physical martial arts skills that kids love at Satori Academy, we also include lessons from “School Safe, Street Safe,” a nationally-recognized program which addresses topics such as dealing with bullies with confidence, water safety, fire safety, good touch/bad touch, what to do if you get lost, stranger danger, and cyber safety, all at an age appropriate level. 

 Of course, there is no substitute for parents talking to their kids about these important issues at home, so here are some basics you’ll want to review with your child before the summer season gets underway.

1. Dealing with a bully at camp.  Role play with your child, teaching him to make good eye contact and use his voice and body language to assertively say phrases like “No, stay back.”  If he does encounter a bully, remind him to immediately tell a counselor and to tell you as soon as he gets home.
2. Getting Lost - Discuss, ahead of time, what to do as a family to stay together in crowds at the beach, amusement park or boardwalk.  Tell him to look for a person in uniform if he gets lost, and most importantly, make sure he has your cell phone number memorized.
3. Water safety – Remind kids never to swim without your permission and adult supervision.
4. Bike Safety – Insist that he wears a helmet at all times.
5. Stranger Danger – Remind her never to talk to strangers, even if he or she seems nice.  Never accept rides, gifts or offer help to anyone without your permission.
6. Neighborhood Safety – Make sure he tells you where he's planning to be and never to go into any neighbor’s home without your permission.
7. Internet Safety – Set strict guidelines for internet usage, have open passwords so you can check online histories and social network usage, and make sure to remind him NEVER to give out personal information to anyone online, including Facebook, and online gamers playing Xbox, Club Penguin, etc.
8. Good Touch, Bad Touch and No Secrets - A difficult topic which often gets avoided but it's so important to discuss inappropriate touch.  Explain, this is when anyone touches you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable. Talk about appropriate touch and inappropriate touch.  Encourage them to tell you when someone has been touching them in a bad way. Children rarely lie about being victims of sexual abuse, but may be confused or frightened by it.  The vast majority of sexual assaults on children are perpetrated by someone they know and trust.  A common ploy is to do favors for the child and coerce them into keeping it a “secret”. Emphasis on “No Secrets” between you and your child is important. Should anyone ask them to keep a secret, they should be taught to “tell” you immediately.

Open lines of communication with your kids will go a long way to make you feel more confident and secure in their safety.  I still worry about my kids every day, however, I feel a little more at ease knowing we talk about issues openly on a regular basis.  I'm learning to let go and trust that they will make good decisions but I confess, I breathe a huge sigh of relief when I hear the door open and they're back home safely.

 Wishing your family a happy, fun and SAFE summer!

For further information about child safety and our awesome kids' martial arts programs, see our website www.SatoriAcademyNJ.com or call 732-494-2195.