Essential Life-skills for children:Safety Skills

Parenting is an art which has to be mastered. It is unique for each unit comprising of the parent and the child.

SAFETY SKILLS

·         It is very important to teach children basic self defence skills in face of increasing crime in society. It is equally important for both boys and girls. 

·         Most of the children are usually seen listening to i-pad or talking over the phone while waiting for bus, travelling or in other similar situations where they need to be alert. They should be taught to do risk assessment and judge situations around them constantly. It would sharpen their perception and would alert them before any mishap in most of the cases.

·         Simple safety instructions could be given to younger children.

·         Children should be taught the concept of GOOD TOUCH & BAD TOUCH in a non threatening way and how to handle a situation in the best possible manner.

·         Child should learn to say ‘NO’ in case the child is not comfortable with any person or place and move out of situation quickly.

·         Both at home and at school child should be aware of a specific person who has to be contacted or reported to in case the child perceives any danger around him.

·         Abuse through electronic media is common among youngsters and they should know how to handle these. Screening of programs with similar issues and group discussions among peers with an adult as facilitator can be insightful. Parents need to give their unconditional support and love to the child so that the child approaches the parents first in ANY situation.