Safety In The Home
When we bring a new baby home, most families prepare their house for the new arrival. As the child grows, safety measures are put into place, like locking cabinets and installing outlet covers. However, many families don’t think about household safety as their kids get older. Here are some things to think about.
Do you have an emergency plan in place for your children? Do they know where to go if you have to get out of the house quickly? Plan a location that is away from your house that can be a meeting place for all family members. Make sure your children understand the circumstances in which they would leave the house and wait at your meeting place.
Do your children know what to do if there is a fire in your house? Most parents figure that their children know to get out, but is it something that you have ever practiced? You only have a few minutes when the fire breaks out before all the oxygen is gone from the air and you need to have everyone out before then. Practice escape routes with your children.
If there is an emergency in the home, do your kids know who to call? Do they know how to dial 9-1-1? Can they tell their address to the operator on the phone? It is a good idea to have emergency information posted above the phone in your house. Write down the emergency numbers, and your address. Even adults have forgotten their address in a crisis.
When you have an emergency, it is too late to plan. Make sure that you and your children have a plan in place to protect your family in an emergency. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Back To School Shopping
If you are like me, back to school shopping can be hassle. By the end of the day, you are tired and grumpy. Here’s a way to make the shopping a little easier, and teach your children some valuable lessons.
Before you begin shopping, get out all the Fall clothes and go through them with your children. You can make this fun by having a fashion show. Let your children model their favorite outfits. Find out what fits, what is worn out, and what can be used for the new school year. Make a list of what your child has, and what they need. If you have pants without a matching shirt, make a note of specific colors that you need. Don’t forget underclothes and socks as well as any accessories like belts.
Try to take as few children with you as possible. This is a great time to invest in a babysitter if you have little kids that aren’t in school yet. Nothing makes shopping a drag like a whiny, tired child.
Start your shopping trip by going out to breakfast or lunch. Besides giving your kids an extra treat, it will give you the energy to make it through the day.
Give your children a budget amount to shoot for. Allow them to make the choice of buying the jeans that they really love but are expensive, or getting two other kinds of pants and a shirt for the same price. This is a great opportunity to teach them about money and how to get the best deal.
No matter how many children you are buying for, using these tips can make back to school less of a chore. You might find that shopping for your kids can be fun.
Teaching About The Internet
Kids today have a different perception of the computer and the internet. Children in elementary school are being taught how to use a computer. Some school reports require internet sources. Teaching your children about the internet and setting some rules will help keep them safer.
First, help your children understand that seeing something on the internet doesn’t make it real. Friends that they meet might not really be children. Help them to understand how the internet makes everyone anonymous. Anyone can create a web site and make their information appear as fact.
Help them set up an email account that you can control. Limit the emails they send out, make sure they are to friends that they know. Set up an email filter so that unwanted email isn’t viewable to them. Decide on rules regarding registering for things on web sites, you may not want them doing this.
Set a limit on computer time. Experts advise that children have no more than two hours of television, electronic games, or computer use in a day. Monitor their time on the computer to try to keep within these guidelines.
Show them how to search for things they are looking for. There are several great search engines for kids. Some popular search engines that cater to children include www.yahooligans.com and www.ajkids.com. If you allow them to search for information through a search engine, monitor their web browsing to make sure they don’t end up where you don’t want them.
The internet can be a great tool for children, and provided a wealth of information, games, and other fun activities. Monitor their computer time, and watch where they are surfing. Always make sure that your kids are following safety rules when on the internet.
