Over the past weeks we have lost a number of our nation’s children in incidents that could have been prevented, to some extent. As a parent myself, I felt the hurt and pain that the parents of these children must have experienced. We adults need to keep our parenting skills as sharp as our professional and academic ones.

Parenting or guardianship is the most important job we hold. According to Vikaspedia, ‘Children are our nation’s most precious resource, but as children, they often lack the skills to protect themselves.’ It is our responsibility, as parents and responsible citizens, to safeguard children and teach them the skills to be safe.

Every home and school should teach children about safety and protection measures. As a parent, you should take an active interest in your children and listen to them. Teach your children that they can be assertive in order to protect themselves against abduction and exploitation. And most importantly, make your home a place of trust and support that fulfils your child’s needs. Together we can protect our future generation by teaching them to be smart, strong, and safe.

A parent is the best person to teach a child about personal safety. Age and maturity matter. There is no perfect age when parents should begin teaching children about personal safety. A child’s ability to comprehend and practise safety skills is affected by age, educational, and developmental levels. Listen to your children. Know your children’s daily activities and habits. Listen to what they like and what they do not like. Encourage open communication.

Let your children know they can talk to you about any situation. Reassure your children that their safety is your #1 concern. Get involved; know where your children are at all times. Your children should check in with you if there is a change in plans. There is no substitute for your attention and supervision. Practise safety skills with your child and rehearse safety skills so that they become second nature.

Safety at home is also very important. According to raising children.net, ‘As your child grows and learns to climb and open things, you need to be alert for new hazards.’ You will probably need to make some changes to ensure your home is still a safe and creative place to play and explore. Along with supervision and a safe environment, you can also improve home safety by teaching your child about what is safe and what is not.

Child safety is our priority and we should not take it lightly. Let us take the time to keep our child safety knowledge up to par by always studying and researching ways to improve on this crucial responsibility that we hold.

Nigel Seenathsingh
San Fernando