How Can You Improve Your Child's Safety?

My children's first day of school was always an exciting time for all of us. Safety was not something I lost sleep over as the small town school they attended had a friendly staff and was not too far from our house, neighbors we friended and the local police department.

They often walked to school with friends since we lived so close and everyone stuck together, sometimes stopping at the neighborhood candy store to buy penny or nickel treats. Each corner of the school had a safety patrol who was elected from a higher grade to make sure the children got across the street safely due to traffic of busses and parents picking up children. It was an honor to be a safety patrol and awards were given out at the end of the school year.

It was a wholesome community with a strong family presence and values. Our neighborhood was full of children who rode bikes together, swam in the backyard pool, played on the swingset and just enjoyed the life of a carefree kid.

Today, we have so much more to deal with concerning our children's safety and although mine have grown, I have grandchildren and nieces and nephews very dear to my heart. The media is so much more sensational as well so it's a constant concern to keep our families and friends as safe as possible.

No one likes the insecurity of hearing an Amber Alert and trying to imagine how the loved ones of that child must feel. We don't like going to a playground or any public place and having to keep our eyes on that young one or sending them off on the bus with strangers.

It's to the point that I limit the amount of news or TV viewed anymore as it covers worldwide events which can just rob your peace in a short amount of time. How do you keep your peace and trust that these little ones are safe?

Here are some good tips to teach your child how to be safe.

There is a phrase that I've memorized and out into practice daily as my faith is in God first and foremost as the Divine Providence in my life and of those whom I love. My motive for writing this is not to thump anyone over the head with my bible but to share a true concern for every child out in the world and how I believe in keeping them safer.

"Safety is not found in the absence of danger but in the presence of God."

I truly believe this as we cannot go everywhere with our children and if we do have faith, the bible teaches that angels are sent to watch over every heir of salvation through Jesus Christ. This has always been a comfort and security to me when fear would try to swallow me up in scary times. A favorite scripture I like to say out loud is Psalm 56:3- What time I am afraid I will trust in Thee. Praying daily for our children to be safe is priority for me.

Another one that I taught the children to learn and say it when afraid is Psalm 91 which I occasionally quiz them on to see if anyone can still quote any of it. The first verse is still in their memory banks and I trust that they will lean on it throughout life's fearful times. Verse 1: "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

Angels are known to appear at times on earth and one of my children actually saw several of them in her younger days and described them as big and beautiful beings. She said they smiled when we talked about God and hovered over His children at all times. Angels are mentioned in the bible in several places and sometimes called ministering spirits.

Psalm 91:11- For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways.

Hebrews 1:14-14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?

There are many more scriptures that could be added here but my point is to show that the first place I go to help keep my children safer is God and His promises to those who love Him.

Another way of adding safety to a child's world are iSafe bags. I saw them on TV the other day and wanted to share this knowledge with parents and caregivers everywhere. This bag has a built in alarm and was featured in the New York Times with an honest review of the downside of having to touch the pull string to set off the alarm.

Not only are they used by children but adults as well. It is sad that we now have to think about these things but the downslide of society seems to call for more measures of protection and if companies like this offer it, we need to support it and our children.

The video below shows examples of how the bags work to give you a better idea of how a person could quickly sound the alarm on these effective bags.

There are multiple choices of personal alarms listed here with the pro and cons for each on.

Parents are getting more and more proactive in the safety of their children rather than allowing the bad guys to win. We as a society who watch over each other's loved ones need to get involved and believe that there is power in unity as well.

Many are homeschooling their children and go on group outings together with other homeschool families. Children are considered a gift from God and should be monitored closely with check-ins and phone calls if they are at an age to go somewhere without you.

Spending the night at a friends these days should not be allowed without knowing the members of that household well enough that you are sure it is safe territory for your child. If in doubt, don't do it as your discernment may be accurate.

Parents of teenagers should also be active in their life enough to know where they are at all times and be able to reach them on a cell phone if they carry one. Being overprotective could incite fear so do use wisdom in how far to take it. The proactive parent wins their child's heart and guards them with love and training of how to keep themselves as safe as possible.

You may want your older child to have internet safety and wisdom. This iSafe website has many helpful tips on cybersafety and teaching children to empower themselves.

No matter what dangers our children face, my unwavering practice is to pray for their protection each morning before facing the world and trusting in the promises of the One who sent me these blessings.