By: Elaina Lee, Safe Kids Coordinator
As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, we realize many families are challenged with balancing remote work, childcare, and school. Oftentimes, parents forget to teach their children the most fundamental safety lessons. Whether your child is attending school virtually or in person this year, Safe Kids Northeast Georgia is here to support you along the way.
We put together some important tips on how you can get your child ready for school:
- Teach your children how to properly wash their hands with soap and water to help them fight off germs. Make efficiently washing your hands a game or give your children a song to sing while they scrub their hands.
- When entering school zones or surrounding areas, teach children to look left, right, and left again before crossing the street. They may need to hear and practice this a few times before it becomes a habit.
- While children are waiting on their school bus at home or at the pick-up line at school, teach children to stand at least three giant steps away from the curb as the bus approaches. Teach kids to wait for the school bus to come to a complete stop before getting off and not to walk behind the bus.
- Phones down and heads up! When walking near and around cars teach children to keep their heads up and be aware of their surroundings. Headphones and phones can distract children from seeing oncoming traffic and can result in injury.
- Encourage children to drink water before, during, and after when on the playground or engaging in athletic activities.
- If you know your children will be on the playground, ensure they are dressed appropriately. No necklaces, purses, scarves, or clothing with drawstrings that can get caught on equipment and pose a strangulation hazard.
Like you, we want to keep your children free from injuries or illnesses when they head back to school—whether that’s at home or in person. Keep these helpful tips in mind to make sure safety is a part of your back-to-school plan!