#5 – How To Have The Best Vacation

The best vacations are those where everyone can have a fun time while staying safe.

• Make sure you review with your kids the dangers that are adherent to where you are staying. In cities, warn your kids about extra traffic. Around pools and water, review water safety. In rural areas, teach about large machinery and animals.
• Always review the importance of not talking to strangers. Every family should have a secret word or phrase that is used should someone has to pick that child up. The word is decided upon ahead of time, and the child understands, he /she is not to tell anyone about it. If the word is not uttered, that child should not go with anyone no matter what the stranger says.

#4- Prevent Dehydration

Kids are on the go in the summer. Often, they don’t realize just how hot it is. Make sure they are drinking enough water. If they like to get a quick sip from the garden hose, if it’s been lying out in the sun, that first water can be scalding.

#3- Warn Kids About Hiding In Enclosed Spaces

Review with your children the danger of hiding in enclosed spaces. This includes car trunks and refrigerators.

#2- Practice Bug Safety

Ticks and mosquitoes can carry many different diseases.

• Know what you are putting on your child. If the product contains DEET, do not apply it to your child’s hands or face, as DEET is very dangerous.
• Remember natural insect repellents may not mean they are “safe.” Ask your doctor what he/she recommends.
• Encourage your child to wear long sleeves and long pants made of light materials especially around dusk.
• Never leave stagnant pools of water around the house.
• Avoid having your child use strongly scented soaps.
• Discourage them from walking around with sweetened beverages.

#1- Nighttime Safety

Nighttime brings a special kind of summer fun. But, before your child goes out, review with him/her the rules.

• Mom and dad must know where they are playing
• Consider reflective clothing (or shoes)
• Consider giving your child their own special flashlight