15 Things You Should Teach Your Kids about Stranger Danger

Do your kids know what to do if they are approached by a stranger?  Stranger danger is real.  Each and every kid must be taught what to do in case they find themselves in a dangerous situation with strangers. Listed below are 15 things that you should teach your kids about stranger danger. Knowing these things can help keep them safe and arm them with information they need to recognize when a problem exists.  

·         Bad things do happen to children as a result of “strangers.” Make sure that your children are aware that bad things do happen to children. You don’t have to go into to detail, but be sure they know that the fairytale world where everyone is safe is not real.  

·         Not all adults are good people.  Most kids feel that all adults are trustworthy.  Be sure you kids know differently.  Not all adults have their best interest at heart. 

·         Some people are “good” strangers.  There are some adults who are good strangers. You kids do not need to be afraid of firefighters and police officers who are sent to help them.  Stress that people in uniform are often “good” strangers. 

·         If someone approaches you, walk away immediately. Tell your kids that they must walk away from adults who try to talk to them who they do not know. Rule #1 should always be to “DON’T TALK TO STRANGERS.”

·         Don’t accept food or candy from people you don’t know. Similarly, accepting food, candy or gifts from strangers can also be very dangerous.  Tell your kids to never accept these things from people they do not know. 

·         If something seems out of the ordinary, find an adult that you know. You want to make sure that your child knows what to do if he or she is threatened.  Find an adult that you know if you are in danger. 

·        Make sure you child knows his or her name, address, and phone number. Kids of all ages should know this crucial information. It can help in case of kidnapping or other stranger danger situations. 

·         Never walk the streets alone. Stress the importance of the buddy system.  Advise your kids to never walk the streets alone.  Two kids are harder to lure for strangers than one. 

·         Tell your parents where you are going. Require that your kids inform you on where they are going. Have them call when they arrive. Keeping tabs on them can help you become alert if and when there is a problem. 

·         Never approach a strange car.  This one speaks for itself but it must be ingrained in your child’s mind. 

·         Don’t open the door to someone you don’t know. If your child stays home alone, he or she should be instructed to never open the door. 

·        In stores, it’s important to stay as close to mom as possible. Abductions often happen in malls and stores.  Explain the importance of sticking together while in the store. 

·       Scream if you feel you are in danger! If your child feels imminent danger, a scare tactic must be in place.  Tell your child to scream as loud as possible if he feels he is in immediate danger. 

·        Remember license plate numbers of people you feel threatened by. Getting as much information as possible will be crucial during those dangerous situations.  Coach your child how to get as much information as he or she can to help catch the person. 

·        Call your parents if you feel unsafe.  Allow you kids to carry cell phones to make him feel safer. You will be a phone call away if a problem with strangers arises or if he feels unsafe.  Cell phones have saved the lives of many children and now make it more difficult to strangers to get away with crimes.

Above are 15 things that you should teach your kids about stranger danger that can help save their lives.  Be sure that your children know how handle situations that may arise.  Whether it’s not talking to strangers or calling you when they feel threatened, knowing what to do will make all the difference in the outcome. 

This article is contributed by 1001 Wall Clocks, an online store that offers a large range of decorative modern wall clocks.

How to Have a Sun-Safe Summer

By guest blogger Molly Borter

When it comes to sun safety, I have lots of less-than-fond memories of my mother’s frequent attempts to keep my very fair skin protected. I remember her calling me over in front of the big kids at the pool, pulling out a massive bottle of SPF 30, and lathering me up, despite my scrawny self’s attempt to run the other way. As she wiped globs of lotion over my face, my nose scrunched up worse than if I were eating a bag of lemons, and in a shrill, glass-shattering whine, I’d firmly—and repeatedly—object. Sound familiar?

 

Nowadays, while I put sunblock on my triplet three-and-a-half-year-old nieces before heading into the summer sun, I’m reminded of my young self. Kids don’t realize the importance of sun protection, and that’s why it’s so important for moms to understand how to properly protect their children from harmful UV rays. Studies report that up to 80% of UV damage occurs under the age of 18; it’s scary statistics like these that make me grateful for my mom’s sunblock persistence. Here are some ways to keep your kids sun-safe and your mind at ease during these hot summer months.

 

Choose and Apply Wisely

• While you’re packing for your backyard barbecues and trips to the water park, make sure sunscreen is the most important item on your shopping list.
• The FDA recently announced new guidelines for sunscreen that will help all of us know which labels are trustworthy enough for our kids. The regulations go into effect in a year and demand that sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for the “broad spectrum” label on sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher for proof that it prevents sunburn and reduces the risks of skin cancer.
• Be careful of sprays, so your children don’t end up breathing, eating, or getting the sunscreen in their eyes. I personally love sprays, so I point the nozzle towards an area that’s away from my nieces and spray into my hands first.
• Apply before leaving for the location, and don’t be fooled by a label that boasts a higher SPF, which the FDA says is misleading. Anything higher than SPF 50 might tempt you to let your kids stay in the sun too long. Take a tip from my mom and always reapply frequently.
• It’s important to apply even if your kids are wearing a t-shirt over their suits, because when clothing gets wet, the amount of sun protection it offers is less than SPF 5!

Invest in Sun Gear

• Whenever we go to our cottage in Michigan, I always make sure to cover the girls’ heads with a hat, which provides shade and blocks out most of the sun’s UV rays from hitting their little faces. Hats are also a no-fuss way to keep kids’ scalps from burning (which is hard to prevent with sunscreen), and prevents them from getting headaches from squinting.
• Don’t forget sunglasses! So many moms forget about one of the most delicate body parts when it comes to sun protection: the eyes. Sunglasses protect children from UV radiation, which causes cataracts and blindness. Look for ones that provide 100% protection from UV rays, and keep your guard up: if the sunglass label doesn’t list protection percentages, it probably doesn’t have any. 
• There are so many hats and sunglasses in fun colors and patterns out there these days, so your kids usually see this as a fun way to block the rays. Around July 4^th, these are great pieces to make your kids feel as patriotic as they are protected. 

Be Sun Smart

• If you know you’ll be basking in the sun all day (first off, lucky you!), make sure the kids take a break from the sun and go indoors for a bit to limit their time spent in direct sunlight.  I suggest having a snack under a shaded tree or heading to a kid-friendly restaurant for a meal. Or, you could make your own shade by bringing an umbrella or canopy.  With infants especially, make sure that they are constantly in the shade, because they lack tanning pigments (melanin) to protect their fragile skin.
• UV rays are strongest when the sun is highest in the sky. Try to keep outdoor playtime to a minimum between 10 and 4. Plan on taking the kids to the park early in the morning or later in the afternoon for better protection. For those of you who have a full time job like me, I take my nieces on an after-dinner stroll in the wagon, which is a great alternate outdoor activity (and form of exercise for you!).
• When the clouds are out, sometimes it’s hard to remember that UV damage can still happen, so make sure to take the same sun-protection precautions that you would on a sunny day.
• Apply all of these steps above to your own outdoor routine, and you have an entire happy, healthy, sun safe family. Now that’s a worry-free summer vacation.

Molly Borter works as an Internet Marketing Specialist in Indianapolis, IN and is a lover of family time, fashionable sunglasses, the outdoors, and feeling fabulous. For more information on everything from UV protection to the right self-tanner for you, check out The Sun Authority.


Thank you, Molly, for all of the great summer safety tips! If you have any summer safety tips to add, you're welcome to leave a comment! I have a summer safety GIVEAWAY coming up this month! Keep your eyes open!

Our Family's Fourth of July: Making Memories and Keeping it Safe

I'm a huge fan of holidays - and extremely sentimental about family traditions and creating memories. My children are a bit let down about the fact that New York doesn't allow you to shoot off your own fireworks like South Carolina does. So, this year we will again go see the fireworks (we were in New York last year, too, but in South Carolina/North Carolina the three years prior). We had too much fun shooting fireworks in our yard while we lived in the south...but, I can say that there were some very close calls that were scary. One firework shot right past me, wayyyyy too close for comfort! (I actually felt the "air blast" from it)

I am sure that they will ask the question again, "Can we do our own fireworks?" about five hundred more times before the weekend is over...and the answer won't change, but I bet we'll get our hands on some of those "poppers" and some sparklers...I think those are legal. :)

With all that said, I'm hoping that everyone has a SAFE and happy Fourth of July. And, speaking of safety, I'm going to put my little two cents in...

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports:


"There were reports of three fireworks-related deaths and an estimated 8,600 hospital emergency room treated injuries in 2010. In 2009, CPSC had reports of two deaths and an estimated 8,800 injuries. In 2008, CPSC had reports of seven deaths and an estimated 7,000 injuries."

Many of these injury statistics include children!

If you live in a state where fireworks are legal, please be careful around the children! Yes, fireworks are "cool" and intriguing, but as we all know, they are also dangerous! Keep a close eye on the children and be sure to keep the kids at a good distance away from where you are shooting the fireworks. Additionally, be sure that you are shooting away from the people who are watching.

Do not. Do not. Do not re-light a firework!

Sparklers can be dangerous, too. Did you know that fireworks "burn at temperatures of about 2000 degrees"? (According to the CPSC). Please do not let your kids do sparklers alone!

However fun it may be, it's not smart to shoot off fireworks from a glass or metal container. Ever heard of shrapnel? I hope that creates a visual for you...

Keep a container or bucket of water nearby, just in case you need it. It's better to be safe than sorry, right?

Know what types of fireworks you are shooting and how they work. Do they shoot straight up? Sideways? In circles? Then, you can plan on clearing the area that it will shoot in and avoid trees, wires, etc. In the same breath, don't expect every firework to react the way it is supposed to. We have had many-a firework do things that we never expected! Be prepared for anything!

Finally, don't let your kids shoot fireworks by themselves and ask your children who they will be with and where they will be going if they are not going to be with you on the Fourth of July. If they are planning to "do" fireworks with friends, be sure to check if there will be an adult with them...better yet, tell your kids to bring the fireworks and their friends to you...then you can ensure their safety. :)

Please have a safe and happy Fourth of July, enjoy your family and make some good memories! We plan to cook out on the BBQ, play in the backyard, head out to a pretty fireworks display, celebrate summer and make our own memories!

How do you plan to make memories this Fourth of July???

Summer Tips For Moms With Anxiety

Guest blog post by Jill Greene

As a mom of 2 who suffers from anxiety, summer can be a bit much for me. Although I love the fact that my girls are home, the general unstructured nature of summer vacation can leave me feeling anxious and more prone to panic attacks. At the same time, I know this is such a wonderful time of year and I want to enjoy it regardless of anxiety. It is in this spirit that I gathered these tips for a happy summer for anxious moms everywhere..

1. Have a schedule and stick to it. If you're home with your kids in the summer, go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. This helps keep your hormones balanced and can promote feelings of well being. It may be tempting to sleep in or stay up all night, but if you are prone to anxiety or panic attacks, a regular sleeping schedule is super important.

2. Have your children on a schedule too. Of course you don't want to be a drill sergeant, but a general schedule is good for kids of all ages. My older girl is a teen and would sleep all day if I let her. Giving the kids age appropriate chores that they must do to contribute to the household is a great way for them to feel that what they does matters. Keep a chart and use stickers for the little ones. Running the household is everyone's
responsibility in the family and so all members can- and should contribute.

3. Get out and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Take walks with the kids and the dog if you have one. Go before the hottest times of the day. Early morning or evening walks are a wonderful way to get some exercise and share family time together too. You can go to parks, hiking trails, or even around the neighborhood. Make regular walks together a priority- it's so good for easing stress and anxiety.

4. Don't stress over the social stuff. For some moms, summer is a time to party and hang out. As someone with anxiety attacks, this is not something I find enjoyable, especially when there is a lot of drinking involved. If you are invited to big get togethers with freinds, it's okay to limit your time there so that you feel comfortable. I like to go to parties early and socialize before the booze and drinking shenanigans begin.

5. Take extra good care of yourself. Commit to spending a few minutes each day doing deep breathing exercises, or contemplating loving, healing thoughts in quiet meditation. If you belong to a gym, this is an excellent time to start a yoga practice. Also remember to cut back on caffeine and refined sugar, as these can make you jittery.

6. Please try to enjoy yourself. Whether you spend your time dreading each day or really tring to make the most of the hot days with your kids, the fact is, summer will go by in a flash. I spent many a summer when my girls were younger just wishing the days away and I regret it now. If your anxiety tends to flare up during summer vacation, use these tips to help you feel better. Know that your anxiety may wax and wane, and you can choose to make the best out of this wonderful time of the year.

Jill Green is a mom, wife, and recovering anxious woman who writes an anxiety self help blog. Please read her Panic Away review for more information on the program that helps her overcome panic attacks. If you struggle with panic, there is hope, there is help!

Thank you, Jill, for sharing your story and tips with the readers of Mommy Rantings!

How do you handle the stress of summer?

Tire Safety Week: Keep Your Family Safe For Your Summer Travels! (Guest Post)

I received this email in my inbox the other day and thought it would be ideal to help spread the word...I, personally know that the winter roads are colder, but when the tires on your family vehicle hit that hot summer pavement, the mixture of that heat and the rubber on your tires...well, let's just say that it can immediately pose a problem if your tires aren't completely safe.

With that said, the following is a guest post from my inbox:

Summer driving season has officially arrived and while we are all concerned with safety on the road, we often forget one of the most important components: our tires.  According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 660 highway fatalities are caused by underinflated tires annually.

This National Tire Safety Week (June 5-11, 2011) tire expert and Michelin subjective test driver, Sarah K. Robinson can share her tips for tire safety.  She can explain some of the simplest steps you can take to ensure you have a smooth, and most importantly safe, ride this summer travel season including:

• Check you tire pressure – Check your tire pressure at least once a month and before and after a long trip.  Tires can lose 1-2 psi per month.
• Examine your treads – Always make sure your tires have at least 2/32” of tread depth (the penny trick). Examine the wear patterns; the wear patterns can tell you whether your tires are over or under inflated and if your alignment is off. 
• Avoid hydroplaning – Simple adjustments to driving including reducing your speed and avoiding wet spots, especially standing water can reduce your risk of hydroplaning.
• Rotate – Tires should be rotated every 6,000-8,000 miles.
• Keep deepest treads in the rear – Make sure when replacing just two tires that you put the two tires with the deepest treads on the rear axle regardless, whether you have front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

About Sarah K. Robinson - As the first female test driver at Michelin North America, Sarah K. Robinson is paving a new road for women in the automotive world. Robinson’s current responsibilities as a subjective test driver for Michelin include evaluating tire performance in both objective (e.g., wet braking) and subjective tests (e.g., wet and dry handling, noise) then delivering her results to Michelin’s designers and engineers to ensure the best possible tire is brought to market. She also develops and coordinates all visitor demonstrations, product launches and promotional activities occurring at Michelin’s test track, Laurens Proving Grounds (LPG) in Greenville, South Carolina.