Red roses, kisses on the cheek, little candy hearts with messages stamped on them. It is almost Valentine's Day.
Valentine's Day is fun. We think of the people we love on that day probably more than any other. We think about our spouses, girlfriends, boyfriends, and our children. We want them to know how much we love them -- and want them to love us back.
Another thing we should think about is their safety.
Adults should have a basic grasp of how to avoid danger and stay out of bad situations. Our children, however, probably haven't had enough time to develop the street sense needed to stay safe, particularly the really young ones.
Here are 10 simple but extremely important things you should do to keep your family safe:
1. "Stranger Danger." Does this really need explaining? If you haven't taught your child this cardinal rule of safety, then you aren't doing a very good job. Children should never talk to strangers. Every child should ask a parent for permission to speak to someone he or she does not know. You don't know the motive behind somebody walking up wanting to talk to a little kid.
2. Your child should know his phone number and address. Also, make sure your child stays updated on any new phone numbers you have.
3. Know where your kids are at all times. If they go outside or to a friend's house, give them times to come back and know specific locations where they will be.
4. Know your neighbors and anyone who deals with your children, such as teachers, day care workers and clergy. You can see whether sex offenders live near you at www.stopsexoffenders.com (then click on "Sex Offender Registries" on the left of your screen.) You might be shocked to see who lives on your block, and what they have done.
5. Kids and adults should avoid unsafe places, particularly after dark. Stay away from any place that makes you feel unsafe. If you have an uneasy feeling about a place, avoid it. Gut feelings are there for a reason.
6. Use code words or simple phrases with your children so they know how to react. If you think there is someone nearby who could be a danger, move between your child and that person and quietly tell your son or daughter to stay by your side or to quickly get into the car.
7. Lock your doors at home and in the car. Home invaders and carjackers are dangerous, but a simple lock can give you a little bit of needed time to get help or drive away.
8. Know what your children are doing online. If they have a MySpace.com or Facebook.com page, regulate it and check it regularly. You need to know who their online friends are. Also, there are great programs such as NetNanny that will help keep your kids away from sites they should not be looking at.
9. Carry a cell phone at all times. All cell phones can call 911, even if they aren't on a service plan. As long as it's charged and has reception, that phone can call for help. Make sure your child knows how to dial 911 on that phone. A child might not know to press "send" after dialing the numbers.
10. Finally, drive safely and courteously. Bad driving could result in a car wreck or anger other drivers. If someone is following your car, drive to a police station, not home.
Our parents used to tell us that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. There is wisdom in that statement. Be aware of what is going on in your child's life so you can watch them grow up safe and happy.
Johnny Hughes is a third-degree black belt and the head instructor for CSRA Defensive Arts. He can be contacted at www.csradefensivearts.com or by e-mailing johnnyhughes@mailbolt.com.
