Back-To-School Safety Tips

By Street Smart Kidz' Steven Baird 
  

It's finally here!

Parents are dancing in the streets or the store isles, and kids are moaning and groaning, but grudgingly. I think most of them are happy to getting back to school, friends and a little more structure.

I'd like to take some time with you, and share a few thoughts and ideas that will hopefully help you and your family through the hectic "Back to School" rush. I feel it's just as important to keep our kids safe, as it is to keep them supplied for the new year.

Not all of these tips will work with every family, but I think most of them can be applied, and will help make this year the best ever.

1. Inside the bottom of each child's back pack, duct tape a zip-lock bag, with the following information in it, full name, address, emergency contact numbers , cell numbers, and allergies

2. Have you completed the FREE child I.D. Kit on all your children, and put it in a safe place. You can print as many Kits as you need, just go to the Street Smart Kidz' home page to find the Kits

3. Have you purchased a few ice packs to put in their lunches, it will keep their lunch tasty, fresh, and free of bacteria

4. Make a mental note, or better yet, write this down and tape it to your bathroom mirror so you wont forget to check your kids school information sheet once the school opens. New emergency contacts? New allergies? etc..

5. If you purchase a computer for your child this year, remember, there isn't ONE REASON in the world, why your child needs a computer in their bedroom, NOT ONE! Put it in a family room!

6. With in the first week of school, you will want a copy of your child's school Bullying Policy and Visitor Policy. You NEED this information! Don't stop asking for it until you receive them. If they can't provide this information, you now have the perfect reason to join the PTA or PAC, and get involved in writing this desperately needed policy.

7. Also, ask for a copy of the schools emergency policies a) where will students be located? b) when and where will parents be reunited with their children?

8. Have a serious discussion with your kids about name calling, teasing and and bullying. These behaviors often escalate into fist fights or worse. The victim may see violence as the only way to stop it!

9. It will be hard to do this for the first few weeks, but remember, you are important too! During the mad rush to get the kids in the car, belting them in and double checking they have everything they need to have a great day, REMEMBER to lock the door on the way out. Burglars also work the day shift, and you don't need a ugly surprise when you get home!

10. Have you practiced the "BACK PACK TOSS" yet? It could save your child's life! Please, please spend thirty minutes with you child practicing this life saving exercise!

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About Street Smart Kidz: The Street Smart Kid'z program provides information for parents free of charge to help keep their children safe. Visit www.streetsmartkidz.ca for a wealth of Free information including tips, articles, resources, a Free children's ID kit and more! Check out the Tip of the Week Library.