In a world filled with risks, it's easy to become overwhelmed and feel at a loss about keeping children safe. Here is a checklist to help you get started. Building a sense of safety and security around your children will help build their self-confidence and reduce their risk of being harmed.
Supervise your children online, in the neighbourhood, and during extra-curricular activities.
As your children become more independent they will require less direct supervision; however, continue to keep track of their activities.
Be involved in your children's life.
Get to know what your children's interests are and, whenever possible, attend their activities.
Build your emotional connection with your children.
Children typically communicate through their actions, so watch for changes in their typical behaviour patterns. Pay attention and respond to your children when they seem upset or not quite themselves.
Create structure and routines in the household.
Structure and routine helps build security. Create routines around bedtime, meal times, homework time, participation in out-of-school activities, down time, etc.
Create family customs.
Family traditions and customs create "together time" and help build security in children. Consider establishing family customs such as walks after dinner, movie night, pizza night, formal Sunday night family dinners, etc.
Have clear family boundaries.
Teach children about personal boundaries starting when they are very young. Create family privacy rules for using the bathroom, bathing and changing. Choose a personal space in the home for each person's belongings (a bedroom, closet, drawers and shelves, etc.).
Be clear about your children's role within the family. When your children wants to listen to adult conversations, gently correct them. Children shouldn't be involved in adult issues.
Avoid involving children in adult-related topics and concerns. This can blur children's role within the family and may cause them to feel insecure.
Create a positive home environment.
Create opportunities to spend quality time together doing something of your children's choice, be it daily, weekly or monthly. This will increase their emotional attachment and strengthen your relationship. Children often talk more comfortably while engaged in an activity they enjoy.
Enjoy special time together – have fun together!
Together with your children, choose an activity to do jointly. Create special time for each of your children.
Monitor children's exposure to adult information and harmful media messages.
Set limits on what your children are allowed to view and play (television, movies, video games, Internet, etc.).
Discuss both the obvious and hidden negative messages in media, music, fashion, and advertising (glorification of violence, sexual harm, power and control, male and female stereotypes, etc.). What do your children think about these messages? Openly share your thoughts about the negative messaging.
Limit their exposure to adult issues and stresses.
Pay attention and show you value what is important to your children.
Learn more about your children's strengths and interests. Get to know their favourite school activities, games, websites, TV shows, etc.
Monitor the relationships your children have with their friends.
Encourage your children to invite their friends over. This will help you get to know who they are spending their time with outside the home.
