Raising Streetwise Kids

As summer starts, many parents let their growing children have a little more freedom and go places with their friends. The National Crime Prevention Council has some tips on raising streetwise kids.

START WITH THE BASICS:

1. Make sure your children know their full name, address (city and state) and phone number with area code.

2. Be sure kids know how to call 9-1-1 in emergencies and how to use a public phone.

3. Tell children never to accept rides or gifts from someone they and you don't know well.

4. Teach children to go to a store clerk, security guard, or police officer for help if lost in a mall, store, or on the street.

5. Set a good example with your own actions- lock doors and windows and see who's there before opening the door.

6. Take time to listen carefully to your children's fears and feelings about people or places that scare them or make them feel uneasy. Tell them to trust their instincts.

AT SCHOOL AND PLAY:

1. Encourage your child to walk and play with friends, not alone. Tell them to avoid places that could be dangerous- vacant buildings, alleys, playgrounds or parks that have broken equipment and litter, etc.

2. Teach children to settle arguments with words, not fists, and to walk away when others are arguing. Remind them that taunting and teasing can hurt friends and make enemies.

3. Make sure your children are taking the safest routes to and from school, stores, and friends' houses. Walk the routes together and point out places they could go for help if they needed it.

4. Encourage kids to be alert in the neighborhood, and tell an adult- you, a teacher, a neighbor, a police officer- about anything they see that doesn't seem quite right.

AT HOME ALONE:

1. Leave a phone number where you can be reached. Post it by the phone, along with numbers for a neighbor and emergencies.

2. Have your child check in with you or a neighbor when he or she gets home. Agree on rules for having friends over and going to a friend's house when no adult is home.

3. Make sure your child knows how to use the window and door locks.

4. Tell your child not to let anyone into the home without your permission. And never let a caller at the door or on the phone know there's no adult home. Kids can always say their parents are busy and take a message.

5. Work out an escape plan in case of fire or other emergencies. Rehearse with your children.

This is just the tip or the iceberg. For more information on raising streetwise kids, go to www.ncpc.org and help "Take a Bite Out of Crime"!