Back to School Routines and keeping the kids safe!
Learn from my mistakes #133
There’s something about “Back to School” that propels us to get organized, to build back structure and routines that have fallen by the way side over the casual and laid back days of summer.
Well, those lazy summer days are coming to end soon. Will you be homeschooling a-g-a-i-n? It’s a new school year and whether it’s starting at home, or “hybrid” school, or if you’re one of the “lucky ones”, your child is actually going to the physical school building, most of us parents look forward to regaining our routines.
In these crazy times of trying to stay safe and healthy but longing for friends and our lives to return to normal.
This month is about keeping your kids safe. Education, awareness and we should be pro-active, not reactive.
It’s one of my goals at Incognito Wear IX is to share information I hope you will find helpful in your journey of self-reliance for you and your family. But ya know, this “ain’t yo mamma’s world” anymore! and we’ve got to make sure we protect our kids too.
These are WAY different times, my friends! My kids are adults now, but when I was raising them as a single mom, my biggest fear was kidnapping. I was outnumber by 2 rambunctious boys and a pretty little girl. One of the scariest times of my life was when my oldest, about 8 at the time, went ahead of us before I could get the other 2 out of the car.
We were at the ball park and my daughter was cheering at the next pew wee game. While I was gathering all the stuff, my oldest went to find his friends. I didn’t know what happened; he was gone.
Fortunately, he’d gone ahead and into football field – and yes, without paying at the gate. Thankfully, after a few announcements (over the loud speaker) we were united! ….and I shed tears of relief!
Moms and Dads are juggling so much due to the pandemic. I hope this provides some valuable information how you can teach your kids about staying safe – being aware of their surroundings – not what’s on their phone!
this is especially true if your child goes home to an empty home after school. This may not be as common since Covid-19, but as more of us are going back to the office, we can’t become dismissive.
Nowadays, your child may be “groomed” by someone hiding behind a computer screen, a cellphone, social media chat room or even a coach (as seen first hand). These “relationships” my be secret or it could be someone you consider to be friends with.
Growing up, I didn’t know anyone who was a “latchkey kid” but that’s not to say there weren’t any either. I mean, it’s not like you’re going to announce that sort thing, right? Having a personal alarm key chain would provide a loud noise your child could sound if he felt threatened.
What about the shows or commercials inundating your home? Have you really paid attention to the message? I was struck about a revelation after reading “Bringing Up Boys” by the great Dr. Dobson.
A very popular, seamlessly harmless commercial was belittling men and their role as providers. If you have boys, I recommend “Bringing up Boys“. I also found great tips in Growing Kid’s God’s Way. These books provided some great insights for practical parenting and it opened my eyes to how I was parenting and some better alternatives!
Being a parent is one tough job! Watch out for pot holes.
How do you keep your kids safe in today’s world?
I want to share some helpful resources that Damsel in Defense has for you and your family (I’m a rep, but feel you may find them helpful). They’re tools to help with the multiple threats facing our kids today. Safe Hearts book series address topics like “grooming” and setting boundaries for elementary grade students. For latchkey kids, items like personal alarms bring attention, and for the young drivers, car safety tools for emergencies. There’s something for everyone.
Key Chains with “break away” features or built in flashlight, or pepper sprays for the older kiddos who are looking to spread their wings of independence.
Our children no longer have to worry with “stranger dangers” Sadly, it’s more common that the perpetrator is someone the child(ren) knows and likely has relationships with already.
Create the safe environment for kids to be kids.
August is National Shooting Sports month, a way to introduce new folks to the joy of the shooting sports AND it’s a good time to remember how important it is to teach your children about gun safety. Project Childsafe of the NSSF or NRA’s Eddie Eagle teach children what to do if they ever “see or find” a firearm.
Remember, just because you don’t have a firearm in your home, doesn’t mean your child won’t ever be in a situation where he/she comes across one. Teach them what to do.
Does your child know what to do if he or she finds a gun?
This month is about keeping your kids safe. Education, awareness and being pro-active.
Our children are our future. Heritage and history are important and can be great teachers. Let’s get back to the basics and keep our families safe and strong.
Want to help? Support your community by volunteering at the local school or mentorship programs.
*Click here for State limits on the age of a child before being left along at home.
Stay Safe, Stay Aware. Now, back to a routine ?
