How safeare yo

Basic Safety Rules For Parents

#1 Rule  -  Establish Good Communications with your Children

Here are some strategies for promoting good communication with your children and an atmosphere to help them thrive:

• Remind them how much they're loved with hugs, words and gestures appropriate from a parent.
• Listen-really listen-to your children.
• Build confidence and self-esteem in your children by "catching" them being good. Look for situations to say "congratulations," "way to go" or "good job." 
• Support your children's involvement in extracurricular activities, sports and hobbies of their choice.
• Show interest in your children's schoolwork and activities.
• Get to know your children's teachers and caregivers.
• Get to know your children's friends and their families.
• Respect an older child's need for privacy, but don't ignore the continued need for parental supervision and involvement.
• If you're overwhelmed by a family problem, seek the assistance of a trained counselor or clergy person.

Use your eyes, ears and intuition to help you protect your children. Here are some safety rules for parents:

• Know where your children are at all times. Insist they ask permission to go to a friend's house or play in the neighborhood.
• Be sensitive to changes in your child's behavior. Keep the lines of communication open so you can ask your child what's going on.
• Be alert to a teenager or adult who is paying an unusual amount of attention to your child or giving them inappropriate or expensive gifts.
• Remember what your child is wearing each time your child leaves the house.
• Do not permit your child to wear any clothing that has your child's name visible to others. Personalizations can help a kidnapper gain your child's trust.

Look for these warning signs about their feelings or about what they do:

• Helpless or hopeless
• Depressed
• Guilty
• Not good enough
• Angry
• Lonely
• Afraid
• Anxious
• Dirty or degraded
• Like they grew up too fast
• Like they can't trust anyone
• Drinking or taking drugs
• Compulsively eating or fasting
• Having difficulties in relationships
• Having trouble sleeping
• Suffering from gaps in time and memory loss
• Pushing too hard to be perfect
• Cutting himself or herself with sharp objects
• Thinking about suicide

Know where to call for Help:

A 24-hour, toll-free hotline to report and/or receive sightings of missing and sexually exploited children (www.missingkids.com).

National Runaway Switchboard 1-800-621-4000

A confidential, 24-hour, toll-free hotline that assists runaway and homeless youth in communications with their families and other service providers. The National Runaway Switchboard is supported through a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Family Youth Services Bureau.

Childhelp USA 1-800-4-A-CHILD

A 24-hour, toll-free, confidential hotline offering information about the treatment and prevention of child abuse.

Materials and Information:

National Victim Center 1-800-FYI-CALL

Provides information referrals and materials free of charge to victims of violent crime. Distributes safety information and maintains an extensive list of community resources assisting in the battle against victimization.

A public education campaign designed to encourage and empower adolescent girls to make the most of their lives. Many free products are available for girls to use or distribute in their communities (www.health.org/gpower).

Girls Incorporated 1-317-634-7546

Organizes programs in thousands of communities nationwide to educate girls and develop their capacity to be self-sufficient and responsible citizens. Also serves as a vigorous advocate for girls, focusing on their special needs.

National Clearinghouse on Alcohol and Drug Information 1-800-729-6686        
TDD 1-800-487-4889   Se Habla Español

Provides the most current and comprehensive information about substance abuse prevention. They distribute the latest studies, surveys, videocassettes, and materials from government agencies and national substance abuse prevention programs (www.health.org).