Parent's Memo for the Summer Period
Whether a child can behave and knows safety rules is what needs to be discussed first. Psychologists say that even adults need to revisit the topic every six months so as not to forget it. Here is a memo for the summer holidays with topics to pay attention to.
AT HOME
1) A primary school-aged child should know their home address and phone number. Teach them how to use a mobile phone so that they can call emergency services and your workplace if necessary. Attach a piece of paper with all the necessary numbers near the phone. Explain to the child the circumstances under which they can be used.
2) Explain to them that in case of fire, they must run outside and call for help, and under no circumstances should they hide.
3) Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
4) Do not allow your child to use gas and electric appliances on their own, or to stoke stoves.
5) If possible, entrust older children with supervising younger ones.
6) Under no pretext should young children be left unsupervised.
7) Give the child some task, errand, in a word, occupy them, so that in your absence they are engaged in a useful and interesting activity.
VILLAGE OR COTTAGE
1) When sending children to the village or to a dacha, remind them once again about the basic safety rules. After all, playing with matches in attics, haylofts, sheds, and setting fire to dry grass and poplar fluff is a rather frequent "entertainment" for preschool and primary school children.
2) If you are planning long-term construction or renovation at your dacha, fence off hazardous areas. Store tools and materials in places inaccessible to children, taking them out as needed. Explain to the little ones that playing on a construction site or in areas where repairs are being carried out is unsafe.
3) The village or dacha is not only for recreation but also for gardening. If you have treated vegetables with chemicals, be sure to secure the area with some kind of fencing and clearly explain to the child that entering is strictly forbidden, especially picking and tasting anything. Remove medicines and chemicals, necessary for both the garden and household needs, to places inaccessible to children.
4) Make sure there are no poisonous plants on the property. If there is a forest nearby, show and tell the child which plants and berries should not be touched, let alone eaten.
5) While attending to household chores, do not forget that a child should not be left to their own devices – you should know where they are and who they are playing with. If it comes to young children, there is only one piece of advice – do not leave them unattended even for a few minutes.
WATER BODIES
Recreational areas such as water bodies bring many disappointments and misfortunes. Do not let a child swim alone, always monitor the situation. Do not allow them to swim for more than 10 minutes, to dive in unfamiliar places, or to fool around in the water.
STRANGERS
The main thing here is to teach children not to communicate with strangers. Ask the child what they will do if they are suddenly left home alone and someone rings the doorbell. Whether they will say that mom is not home or open the door to a stranger – it is important to know and understand in advance. Teach them that it is better to ask "who's there?" and then say "dad is sleeping." Or to call parents immediately and say that someone is ringing the doorbell.
HOMELESS ANIMALS
In the summer, children spend most of their time playing outside. But what should a child do if a stray dog approaches them, starts growling and barking? Explain that they should not run away, wave their hands, or make other sudden movements, look into the eyes, or panic. The best option is to stand still, give the command "shoo!" or "sit!", and then slowly move to shelter.
TRAFFIC RULES
In addition, remind your child daily about traffic rules. This is not only about how and where to cross the road, but also about the rules for cyclists, as cycling is one of children's favorite summer activities. By the way, children under 14 are strictly forbidden to ride on roads and streets. This also applies to courtyards where cars drive. Those who are not yet fourteen can ride on bike paths and areas closed to cars.
CONCLUSION
Of course, it is impossible to foresee all situations and give advice for all occasions. But you can and should teach your child to be careful. And no one can do it better than parents. Attention, love, and care are the best means to protect your child from possible trouble. And remember: a child always looks up to you. Therefore, let your example of following safety rules teach them and give them a healthy, happy, and safe childhood.
Inspector of the Department for Supervision of Labor Protection and Industrial Safety of the Miory District Department for Emergency Situations O.M. Girzha