Child Safety in New Neighborhood

Moving homes is a very difficult life event. Aside from organizing, planning and the actual move, parents have the challenge of easing their children into a new neighborhood, away from everything and everyone they know. Remember you are moving the kids  from the only home they have ever known. Ease the stress (theirs and ours) of their transition with a few family safety pointers.

In Moving to a new neighborhood we tackled how to select possible neighborhoods to move into. Being in the new area can still lead to a few surprises and it is important to prep children and increase family safety.

Teach children their new numbers

Make sure your children know your mobile number, new home address, and their full name. This way if they get lost they can find people in authority to help them get home.

Talk to the right strangers only

Children should be taught not to speak with strangers.

Walk your children through the neighborhood

Walk with your children for the first few days of school or until they become familiar with the route. It helps if you guide them through the main roads and streets in the vicinity by landmark and name as many times as they need you to. Determine “safe spots” where they can seek assistance if they ever get in trouble or get lost. Safe spots could be public institutions or commercial areas where security is present. Caution your kids against taking shortcuts and make sure they always stay on main roads. Draw a map with your children of all the acceptable routes to the stores, playground, the school, and other locations they are allowed to visit. Until they are well drilled in confidently navigating their way around, it is recommended they keep the map with them.

Visit their school with them before their first day to get an understanding of the environment. If your children ride the bus to school, take them to the bus stop and make them learn the bus number. Remind your children not to wander off alone but instead to keep close to the other kids on the stop. Clear communication with children is vital. Your kids should always be open and report any confusing or unusual incidents to you.

By investing the time in walking around the neighborhood together, you and your family will get more acquainted with the area and better comprehend which areas are off limits. The National Crime Prevention Council suggests that parents use the walking tour as a chance to establish boundaries on where their children are allowed to go on their own. Voice your concerns about hanging out in questionable areas and crossing busy intersections. Seeing the neighborhood firsthand will help your family respond better to restrictions.

Introduce Your Kids to Neighbors

To settle into your new neighborhood your children will need to know the people around them. Make a point of introducing your kids to your neighbors, especially the ones which strike you as most reliable and have children of their own. This would provide a good opportunity for your kids to meet other children their age and ease their adjustment.

Know who else to call

As soon as you move into your new home, list all the local emergency telephone numbers by the telephone, where everybody can see them. If you obtained a new mobile number, make sure your kids have your numbers at hand. List the numbers of any backup friend, family members, or trusted neighbors that your kids can contact if you are not available and they need assistance. If you are worried about your kids going off to places alone, you can consider giving them a cell phone to take along and inform you of their location.

Know the new friends of your children

Once your kids have settled in to the neighborhood and have made new friends, remind them to inform you and check where they are going before they head out with their new found pals. This includes going into the homes of strangers or getting into their cars. Talk to them about never accepting rides from strangers or letting their new friends take them to unknown places. In addition, advise your children against inviting new friends to your home in your absence until you are assured of the new pals.

Establish home safety rules for kids

Remind your children not to answer doors without asking first when they are home alone. In fact, your children should be wary of opening the doors at all to strangers. Let them know you have outdoor home security and will be using your Kuna to screen all strangers by the door.

In addition, caution your children about giving out personal information on the phone, especially if they can’t identify the caller. Ask them to request the caller leave a message. Teach your children the necessity of keeping the doors and windows locked at all times.

Listen to your children

Moving is a difficult time for the whole family. While you may have dozen of new things to do your children need to know you are always there to lend a listening ear if they need assistance fitting in, or simply to discuss the new experience. Let them know you trust their instincts and judgment, and encourage them to go to a trusted adult if anyone makes them feel baffled, uncomfortable, or confused in anyway.

Identify a Safe House

Once you become familiar with your neighbors, choose a neighbor’s house where your kids can turn to in emergency situations if you are not available. A house where a retired person or a stay at home parent resides is a great idea, they are more likely to be home. Practice a few drill runs with your kids to the safety house, so they automatically know who to turn to in times of need.

Use your home security system to monitor them

Your Kuna home security camera system is equipped with motion sensors that will alert you when someone is at your door. Use this to know when your children are home and let your kids know you will check on them for any deviation in schedules.