How to teach your child self protection

Studies on the causes of accidents among children have found that majority of children are regularly exposed to situations that could be dangerous. You must, therefore, protect your child from dangers without being over-protective.

 All children must be taught gradually to protect themselves. It is difficult to judge when your child is old enough to do things on her own like crossing the road unaccompanied. That said, all parents can emphasize the do’s and don’ts every time their child is likely to be in a dangerous situation. And if an accident occurs, use it to discuss once again the dangers of a particular activity.

A STEP AHEAD

While you teach your child to protect herself, don’t expect too much of a pre-school child. Her memory is short, hence may quickly forget your counsel or not fully grasp the meaning. Many accidents happen because parents wrongly believe that they have taught their child about particular dangers, not realizing that children have to be told over and over again.

Also endeavour to understand your child’s needs as she goes through each stage of growth and development. If you anticipate what she will be able to do next as she grows up, it will be a step ahead in preventing accidents.

For example, she may not be able to turn on the lights; but she will watch you unthinkingly repeat this action many times each day, and she will try to imitate your action until she succeeds. To avoid risk of poisoning accidents you need to be aware when that day arrives.

Another positive way you can protect your child against accidents is to explain as simply as possible why you take certain precautions, or forbid certain actions. For instance, explain why you do not allow her to play with the knife.

Don’t be satisfied with forbidding her to do so and placing the knife out of reach. If she knows about and understands the hazards, she is more likely to obey your safety rules.

UNWANTED STRANGER

And when children are out alone, it is possible that they will meet an unwanted stranger and due to their trusting nature, they may put themselves in danger.

It is your parental duty to inform children of the risks of being outside in public places. This explanation shouldn’t be alarming, but all children should be on the alert for friendly strangers who talk to them, offer them sweets, a treat or a ride in their car.

It’s important to be as honest as you can with children, and your warning words in this instance may be life-saving. Be forthright and tell them that some adults may do more than just try to speak to them.

They may touch them or invite them to look at pictures, try to undress them, or handle their genitals, or undress or touch themselves.

Be extremely clear in giving instructions about what your child must do if this ever happens. Caution her too that she should never go off to play with another child without asking your permission.