In second grade, the Safe Child Program focuses on self-care. In
light of current statistics on children left without supervision, use of
this section with children in other grades is encouraged.
Whether parents leave their young children without supervision or
not is a personal decision. The most comprehensive study to date
indicates that 42% of children ages 6 - 9 are left without
supervision occasionally, if not regularly. Even if parents never
leave their children alone, there are times when they are alone. For
example, if mom is in the shower and someone comes to the door,
or dad is in the yard and the telephone rings.
Children worry about what can happen when they're alone.
Talking about children's concerns not only reassures them, but
prepares them to be safer. The Safe Child Program help families
to set up guidelines and discuss options for handling many types of
situations, including:
Answering the telephone;
Answering the door;
Making responsible choices handling free time; and
Responding to emergency situations.
"Parents and educators alike have a responsibility to
children to provide them with all of the necessary
information and skills needed to make them feel safe. The
Safe Child Program will assist in doing that, and it is
recommended." Charlotte Haddy, Video Rating Guide for
Libraries
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