Back to school safety by a psycho safety mom

Why? Why do I watch Criminal Minds and CSI and SVU and Discovery ID ? I'm obsessed. So, let me just get this outta the way.

I must preface this safety tip with this. When I was pregnant with Darby, we went to Cancun. I met a NYC cop and his family. I said, " OH MY GOD ( OMG) ...you must go crazy with all those kidnappings and Amber alerts...you must keep your kids under lock and key...HOW do you DEAL with these tragedies everyday??"

"Nalini , I've been a cop for 15 years...guess how many child abductions I've seen and investigated?" He said.

I replied..."At least 50..75...100...THOUSANDS!!!"

Silence.

More silence.

" None...zero...nada...zilch..", He said while staring at me like I had a screw loose.

That said.....I still go over " How to not get abducted and /or molested 101".

First, let your child know that THEY HAVE A VOICE and that they should use it . So many kids are intimidated by adults...especially in and around school. I tell 'em..if you're uncomfortable or unsure..just scream your head off and RUN!!

Let them know who they CAN get in the car with when not with you. That is easier to remember.

Have a code word if the child is old enough to understand that concept.

Tell them where their "private parts" are and who can see them ( mom, dad, safe caregiver..etc..)

I give my girls a word for people who could want to " take or hurt " them. Most kids don't know "pedophile".

We use "pee-pee touchers".

Now, this could lead to a nice neighbor offering your 7 year old a ride home from school to help you out and your child pointing and waving and running while screaming... "PEE PEE TOUCHER..PEE PEE TOUCHER!!"

Your neighbor may be ostracized for a while but at least ya know you got through! Bye Bye Bunko!!

Have a current pic of your child available. Know heights and weights.

My kids say, " Mom..a kidnapper van!!!" when they see a van with no windows.. A little over the edge I admit.



OK..Here are 2 other things to go over!! More will come!!

1. Food and bee allergies.
    Have an action plan with the school nurse and teacher.
    Have Epi-Pens accessible if your Doc has prescribed them. Always 2 pens!!

2. Bus etiquette. How to get on ( always cross in front and wait for the oncoming traffic to stop)....bullying...what to do if your baby gets on the wrong bus...what if your child drops stuff and it rolls under the bus..

Be creative. Think of potential questions and situations.