With the festive season upon us, keeping our children safe can be a challenge.
The director of clinical services at the Teddy Bear Clinic, Dr Shaheda Omar, shared tips with parents on what precautions to take during the holidays.
“Holidays bring along many unforeseen challenges. It is therefore critical that parents think about it and discuss this with their children,” Omar explained.
Parents should always keep a watchful eye on where and with whom their children are. “If they’re with friends get their contact numbers and details.”
Also, parents should not send children out on their own to the shop, Omar advised.
Another tip was the importance of a family safety plan being in place when visitors are staying over.
“This is so a child can use a code or make a signal to show that he or she is in distress and needs help.
“Always listen to your child if they display or demonstrate discomfort around any adult or individual.”
Omar recommended that teenagers left alone at home should not indicate to anyone that they are alone in any way.
“Not by telephone, social media or even when they answer the door bell”
To ensure children don’t get lost while on outings, Omar said communication was key.
“Communication between the adults should be very clear about who is watching the child. We cannot tell you how many times a child goes missing at a theme park or public place, and one spouse turns to the other and says in a panic,I thought you had your eye on her.”
Omar said parents must make it clear to children not to wander off in a different direction if they see something that catches their eye without telling a parent. “Parents should explain: That means you walk right up to me, or another designated trusted adult, and tell us what you want to do. We will then say yes or no. This will help us avoid getting separated,” she advised.
She said it was vital to tell your children that if by chance they do get lost, the safest person to seek help from is another mother with children.
“A parent must then explain to the children step by step what they should do - If you can’t find us, walk up to another mother with children and say: I am lost, can you please help me?”
Omar said parents should make sure children know all the relevant cellphone numbers. “For young children and children with special needs, parents should make and place a laminated ID card with their information on it as well as two cellphone numbers where you can be reached.
“The best place to stick it is in the bottom of their shoe. Most importantly tell your children that if they get separated from you, they should never leave the place they’re at.”
Emergency numbers: Childline toll free no 0800 055 555; SAPS emergency number 10111; DSD’s domestic violence helpline 0800 428 4282.
Pretoria News