3 Safety Tips Every Kid In Child Care Should Know

Talking to your child about their own safety can be a challenge. After all, you don't want to scare them, but their overall well-being is more important than the potential fears that may come from being informed. When it comes to choosing the right child care for your kid, you likely do your research well, and you know that you are trusting them with only the best child care facilities. Even so, have a discussion that empowers them to look out for their own safety whether they are in daycare, with a babysitter, or with another authority figure.

#1. It's Okay to Say No Sometimes

Children should be permitted to say no. This lesson is perhaps the trickiest of all because you want your child to respect a teacher's reasonable requests. Learning that they are allowed to say no to adults can inspire some kids to use the word like it is going out of style.

Be sure to go over the situations in which a child can say no, such as when they are asked to do something that seems unfair or inappropriate. They can say no if something doesn't seem like the right thing to so. Assure them that they will never get in trouble with you for saying no when doing what is asked of them would make them feel bad about themselves.

#2: It Takes Courage to Ask for Help

You should let a child's caregivers and babysitters know that you are having safety discussions with your child. Oftentimes those who are watching your children will want to reinforce the message that you are sending. Identifying who your child can turn to for help with these lessons is important. Your child needs to know who they can turn to in a crisis. Continue open discussions with your child in which you encourage them to ask you for help if they need it.

#3. It Is Okay to Explain Allergies to Everyone

A child should be well-informed about their allergies. In addition to wearing an allergy bracelet, necklace, or other identifying pieces of jewelry, it is also important to empower your child to be their own advocate to protect themselves against allergies. For example, if the child has a peanut allergy, they need to inform a substitute teacher about this problem if the teacher hands out snacks. Teaching your child to be polite and specific when explaining the allergy is important, and ensure that she knows to use serious words to impress upon people how serious the allergy is.

Finally, keep in mind that you can also speak to the child care facility leaders about the safety discussion you had with your child. The teacher may want to join you and your child in a private conference where you can all discuss safety at the school and off the school grounds. A great child care facility prioritizes the safety of all its children, and it will support your efforts to keep your child both safe and well-informed about their safety. Child care facilities like The Cottage School may be able to help meet your needs in this area.

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