Safety in the Community
Here's What To Do
1
Talk about and practice ways to be safe before going into the community so that your child will know what is expected.
2
Then, while you and your child are in your community, remind them about ways to be safe and praise them for demonstrating safe behavior.
- For example, teach your child about riding the bus or subway safely, and looking out for signs to tell you when to cross the road or wait.
3
Make it a habit to reinforce community safety whenever you’re out and about; it will become second nature to your child!
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Practice taking a few deep calming breaths each time you venture out into the community together. Okay, now we’re ready to go!
E
Engage:
- “We are going to the park. Before we go, let’s talk about some ways we can be safe.”
- “Do you remember the last time that we went to the beach together? What were some of the things we did to stay safe at the water?”
E
Encourage:
- Praise your child and point out specific ways they are being safe. “You are being so safe! You are holding my hand and waiting patiently for the signal to cross the road.”
- If your child forgets a rule, pause, and ask them to try and remember, sharing the rule patiently with them if they forgot.
R
Reflect:
- “What did we do to be safe today?”
Not quite ready?
Before going out, prepare your child by describing what you will be doing. Then, talk about ways to be safe. You can role play to help them practice as well.
Ready for more?
Ask your child to share some signs of danger or unsafe situations. They can also suggest safety rules or what they might do to avoid unsafe situations.
As your child masters this skill...
They will follow safety rules and demonstrate safety knowledge.