Is That Safe?
Here's What To Do
Talk about a few important safety rules or procedures with your child, such as crossing a street, staying away from the stove, or staying strapped into their car seat. You can also practice them together so your child will know what to do.
Then, play a game to review them. Give your child simple scenarios and ask them to give a gesture like a thumbs up or down or say yes or no if they think what is happening is safe or not.
After, talk about why it is or isn’t safe and what they should do to be safe.
Invite other family members to play too so that you can talk about and practice safety as a whole family.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Take a few slow deep breaths together then smile at each other to help your child get ready to focus.
Engage:
- “Let’s talk about ways we can stay safe so no one gets hurt.”
- “Now, let’s play a game. I will tell you something. If you think it’s safe, put your thumb up like this. If it’s not safe, put your thumb down like this.”
Encourage:
- Praise your child and point out specific ways your child is being safe. “You are being so safe, you are holding my hand and looking both ways as we walk carefully across the street!”
- You can also make up special gestures together to show when something is safe or not safe. You can use these gestures with your child as an indicator of safety instead of saying “no.”
Reflect:
- “How can we be safe when we ___?”
Not quite ready?
Focus on one or two specific areas of safety that are of particular concern to you. Instead of playing the game, practice ways to stay safe together.
Ready for more?
Your child can also draw a picture to remind themselves and family members about a safety rule.
As your child masters this skill...
They will follow safety rules.