Home Alone - The movie “Home Alone” was fun to watch.  However, in real life, you do not have the ability to outsmart or outrun adults.  If someone comes to the door when you are home alone, do not even open the door to see who may be there.  Just look out a window or ‘peep-hole’ to see who is knocking or ringing the doorbell.  If it is not someone you know, do not even let them know you are there.  If it is important, they will come back at another time when your parents or other adult is there.

Tip For Parents - Tell your child that no matter how tempting it may be to open the door (for a delivery person, mail person, salesperson, etc.) not to do so.  If there is a specific exception, make it clear to only open the door for that particular reason.

Use The Buddy System – You can certainly do things alone (like go to a park, ride your bike to the store, go to the bus stop or play at other people’s homes or yards).  However, it is always good to have a trusted friend who goes with you to such places.  That way, you have someone with you who can warn you or help you if something goes wrong or someone tries to harm you.

Tip For Parents – Always encourage your child to avoid shortcuts or isolated areas where dangerous people may reside.  Also, try to find trustworthy children who may be good ‘Buddies’ for your child, and encourage your child to  ’hang out’ and go places with them rather than alone.

Your Body - Your body is your own personal property and nobody elses, especially your private parts.  Your private parts are your body parts that your bathing suit covers.  Sometimes family members, friends or other grown-ups may try to touch you in your private parts.  Sometimes they may even want to touch your private parts as part of a game or tell you to keep it a secret.  Do not be tricked by them.  They have no right to touch  your private parts.  Be sure to tell your mom, dad, teacher or other trusted adult what happened (even if the person who touched your private parts told you to keep it a secret).  

Tip For Parents - Explain to your child that it may be necessary for parents to assist them with bathing and other physical needs that pertain to their private parts.  Also, it is okay for medical doctors to check private parts because it is their business.

Check First – You should tell your mom, dad, babysitter, teacher, or trusted family member where you are going, how you are going to get there, who you are going with and what time you will be back. And, because there are many unsafe and harmful internet sites, you should also check first whenever using the internet to access new websites.

Tip For Parents - Use internet security settings (or software) to prevent your children from accessing harmful sites.  Click here for a listing of many popular website security software programs.

Do Not Speak to Strangers – Although most people are good, nice and friendly, some people are bad. It’s not always easy to tell who is bad or good, because good and bad people can look alike; both good and bad people work, shop, play and go to the same places you do. So the safe thing to do is not talk to strangers without mom, dad or a trustworthy adult around.

Tip For Parents - Have your child memorize their full name, address, phone number and how to dial 911.