One of the best parts of life with children is watching them explore the world around them as they grow. It is exciting to see them discover new things, make new friends, and become involved in their school or community. Of course, it can also be scary to see our little ones become more independent. Author Elizabeth Stone says that having children is “to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” Luckily there are a lot of steps you can teach your kids to help keep them safe. Whether they are still holding your hand when they cross the street or getting ready to take their first unaccompanied trip without you, the experts at Dr.STITCH have travel safety tips for your family.
Watchful Walking
Instilling street safety smarts is an important job for parents. Small children should always be accompanied by an adult, but start teaching these safety tips early so that your kids know how to stay safe when they are ready to walk without you:
- Always walk on the sidewalk and obey all traffic lights, crosswalk instructions, and crossing guards
- Look both ways when crossing the street, even if it is a one-way
- Walk with a buddy whenever possible
- Wear bright colors or reflective clothing if walking near dawn or dusk
- Never push, shove, chase, or horseplay near the street
School Bus Safety
For many school-aged children, the bus is the mode of transportation they will use most in their day-to-day lives. Therefore, it is important to make sure they know basic school bus safety. Give your school bus riders the following reminders:
- Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching
- Use the handrail when boarding
- Wear your seat belt and stay seated for the entire ride
- Do not put your head, arms, or hands (or anything else!) out the window
- Your bag should be on your lap or tucked under the seat to keep the aisles clear
- If crossing the street after drop-off, make sure to walk far enough in front of the bus that the driver sees you
Brilliant Bike Riding
Bike riding is the best of both worlds – it is a great way to get around and it is FUN! As your little one graduates from a tricycle in the driveway to riding a real bike around the neighborhood, it is important to teach them bicycle safety rules.
- Always wear a well-fitted helmet – no exceptions! Consider other protective gear, such as knee and elbow pads, especially for new riders
- Come to a stop when approaching any intersection
- Pay attention to traffic lights and signs
- Watch out for potholes, large rocks, puddles, and parked cars
- Sometimes the safest place to ride is the sidewalk, but be mindful of pedestrians
Contact Dr.STITCH
The team at Dr.STITCH hopes that all your trips and travels are safe and sound. If an accident does happen, we can help. Dr.STITCH provides immediate, on-call care for lacerations, hand injuries, facial injuries, burns, and complex wounds from the experienced plastic surgeons of Long Island Plastic Surgical Group. We hope you never need us, but we’re here if you do. Download our contact card.