There's always bad news about kids being abducted out of their own homes or picked up from their own street while playing. It is very scary! I have two small kids, well, one is not so small since she's as tall as me! You always think that you're glad it's not your kids, right? But of course, in the back of our minds, there's always this fear that something bad will happen to them. I just pray about it.
I'm happy to say that I live in a nice and safe neighborhood. It is one of the things we looked into when we were looking around for a house. We don't want a door that is filled with door locks from top to bottom and bars on the windows. We want a neighborhood where you don't have the fear of your house getting broken into when you're sleeping or out to work. I feel lucky that we have the means to give our kids a safe neighborhood to grow up in. I cannot imagine living in a place where the crime rate is very high, that would be awful.
One of the things my parents taught me before was to look for exit signs wherever I am. Doing so keeps you prepared in case of emergency. That's why I always listen to the flight attendants every time I fly even though I've heard it many times before. This is what I am trying to teach my kids. To look for the exit signs the moment they go in a building or a venue.
I would like to share these tips with all the parents out there. This was adopted from 'Knowing My Eight Rules for Safety' by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. I read this with my kids every time we have one of those 'being safe' talks. I also have this posted on the fridge just as a reminder.
1. Before I go anywhere, I always check first with my parents or the person in charge. I tell them where I am going, how I will get there, who will be going with me, and when I'll be back.
2. I check first for permission from my parents before getting into a car or leaving with anyone, even someone I know. I check first before changing plans or accepting money, gifts or other items without my parents' knowledge.
3. It is safer for me to be with other people when going places or playing outside.
4. I say NO if someone tries to touch me in ways that make me feel frightened, uncomfortable or confused. Then I immediately tell what happened to my parents, my teacher or another grown-up that I trust.
5. I know my home telephone number, address, and parents' work numbers. In case of emergency, I should try to contact my parents as soon as possible.
6. I trust my feelings and talk to grown-ups about problems that are too big for me to handle on my own. If someone makes me feel scared of uncomfortable, I know my parents, teacher or other trusted adult will listen and help me.
7. I am strong, smart and have the right to be safe.
When is the right time to use a booster seat? According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, kids who are too big for the regular child safety seats should use booster seats until they are at least 8 - 10 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall. What does a booster seat do? A booster seat raises a child up so that the seat belt fits right and can better protect your child in case of an accident. The shoulder belt should cross your child's chest and rest snugly on his shoulder, and the lap belt should rest low across the pelvis or hip area -- never across the stomach area. Your child's ears shouldn't be higher than the vehicles back seat cushion or the back of a high booster seat.Children 12 years old and under should always seat at the back.
My son, who is turning 5 years old this summer is still in his regular car seat whenever he rides in the SUV although he uses a booster seat when he rides in his dad's hybrid. My daughter, meanwhile, is 4'10" and is tall enough not to use one. If you need more info, you can go to the NHTSA website. Meanwhile, I am currently looking for the best auto insurance companies and see if I can get a lower rate for our car insurance.
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