Safety Tips for Children

Never leave a child alone in a store, car, stroller, or a public place, even for a moment.
Always accompany a child to a public bathroom.  Older children may want to wander off and browse alone in a mall, at a beach, etc.  Do not allow this.
Avoid buying children clothing displaying their names. 
Know the names of your children's friends, where they live and how to reach them.
Set up strict procedures with your child's school or child care program as to whom the child will be    released other than yourself. Develop a secret  password with your child as a backup safety       strategy.  Insist that the school notify you if the child does not show up on time if s/he walks or rides the bus.
Be involved in your child's activities.  Know the places s/he goes and know the other adults          involved.
Calmly discuss good and bad touch and personal safety.
Take a yearly photo of your child.
Your child should know his/her full name, address, telephone number, 911 and how to call you collect.

Off to a Good Start: Beginning Daycare or School

Starting daycare or school is a major life transition for young children.  Even a positive change can be stressful.  In many cases this may be the first time a child is away from their family.  Both the child and the parents may experience anxiety about the new experience.  There are specific measures that parents can take to ease anxiety and make the first days happy ones.

Recognize your own feelings-Your child is sensitive to your emotional state and attitudes.  If you are apprehensive about the school or program, you may unwillingly convey this to your child.  Be sure to always to talk to the child about his new experience as a positive and exciting thing.  Avoid apologizing to the child about enrolling him in the program.

Recognize your child's temperament-Let your knowledge about your child's personality guide how you approach this new transition.  If your child is shy or slow to warm up, then you will know that you may need to extra time in introducing him to a new environment.

Prepare your child in advance-Your child will have less anxiety if he knows what to expect and is familiar with the program and the teachers.  Try to visit at least  once when you can remain with the child .  Start to establish the new routine a few days in advance, perhaps by altering the child's bedtime and morning rituals.  A dry run of how the child will get to the program maybe helpful.  Acquaint your child with crossing guards and bus drivers.

Make the first day a week-One of the most successful strategies for alleviating first day jitters is to make the break slowly.  If possible, start your child's experience slowly.  Maybe an hour the first day, two hours the next, until the child is comfortable remaining for the full day.

Reinforce a sense of trust with your child-It is important that your child knows that you will returning for him at a designated time.  It might be helpful to discuss with your child where you will be and what you will be doing while he is in  the program.  Remind your child that you will return.

Leave something behind-Blankets, stuffed animals or other objects of comfort can help a child feel secure.  Many parents find that an object that helps the child remember the parent is of great benefit.

Communicate with the caregiver or teacher-They are your greatest ally in making the separation a smooth and calm experience.  Be sure to let them know if you have any special concerns and needs.  Don't be afraid to specifically request their assistance or guidance.

Say Good-bye-You may wish to let your child know that you will be leaving in five minutes or after a story is read.  When it is time to go, say good-bye and go.  Continued extensions to the separation seem to only add to anxiety and make the separation more difficult.  It is never suggested to "sneak" out.  Regardless of how upset the child is, sneaking out only adds to their anxiety, increases fear of abandonment and breaks down the child's sense of trust.