Talking to our kids about their personal safety is SO important, but where do we even start? Teaching them to ask for a police officer if they’re lost is unrealistic, Stranger Danger is outdated, and there are so many situations we can’t even predict (or want to imagine). And more importantly, how do we talk to our kids about personal safety without scaring them?
The Facts About Safety
While “Stranger Danger” has been a popular safety topic for years, the sad truth is a child is much more likely to be put in danger by someone he or she knows: 90% of children abused know their perpetrator. There is one case of child abuse reported every ten seconds. And one in seven children get lost in their lifetimes – and asking a police officer for help is no longer a viable strategy. It’s frightening!
Empowering children – rather than scaring them – will help keep them safe. Empower your children to know that they are the “boss of their bodies” and no one is allowed to hurt them. Ever. Empower them to know what to do when they feel their “uh-oh feeling” – when something doesn’t feel right. Teach them that they are allowed to say “no” if they get that feeling – even to big kids and grown ups. Children who have this knowledge are less likely to become part of the horrific statistics. But sometimes our words aren’t enough to really have the knowledge sink in.
Luckily, The Mother Company is here to help with some smart children’s products that take the work out of these tricky conversations for us parents. Created in close collaboration with nationally acclaimed children’s safety expert, Pattie Fitzgerald, founder of Safely Ever After, this series offers an updated, accessible, and FUN way for your kids to learn about their safety (without the worry of you saying the wrong thing)!
Ruby’s Studio: The Safety Show
The award-winning Ruby’s Studio: The Safety Show provides 43 minutes of original music, beautiful animation, and familiar situations that your kids – and you – will love! Engaging host Ruby takes kids through common scenarios, such as getting lost and trusting your gut “uh oh” feeling. Check out the trailer:
youtube.com/watch?v=XtZeBiACH5A
Available on DVD or Download, your kids will ask to watch the show over and over – and you’ll be so grateful you spent the $15 to help keep them safe (and entertained!)
A Little Book About Safety
Not into media for your kids yet or want to reinforce the lessons they learn through the show? A Little Book About Safety follows little Hugo and his hippo family on a day of fun at the Happy Herd Community Pool, where he has to make safe choices in the face of new experiences. Root (and learn) along as the Safety Butterfly counts out ten smart tips to help Hugo – and your child – stay safe.
The Mother Company aims to support parents and their children, providing thought-provoking web content and products based in social and emotional learning for children ages 2-7. Check out episodes of “Ruby’s Studio” children’s video series, along with their beautiful children’s books, apps, music, handmade dolls, and more at www.TheMotherCo.com.
