"Mommy, let's talk pet safety."
This was Emerson's request last night as we climbed into her bed after reading a chapter of Dinosaur Encyclopedia {she picked the chapter on plant-eaters}. Bedtime and bathtime are typically when I engage her in all things safety. Stanger safety. Pet safety. Pool safety. Beach safety. We cover them all. The chats started at an early age as simple instructions and tips from me, but now include role-playing and demonstrated techniques. For instance, during a safety talk about strangers, I'll act out the stranger and she'll offer a response.
"Hey, little girl, come over here and look at my dog," or "hey, little girl want to come pick out some candy?"
"I run away and scream"
Well, as requested, last night's talk focused on fido and fluffy. {Note: my kids always bee-line for furry, four-legged things.} I asked her lots of questions and she was so proud upon knowing the correct answer.
if we're at the park and see a family or person with a dog, what do you do? {of course, only if mommy and daddy say it's ok}
- ask, Is your dog nice? Is it ok if I pet him?
How do you approach the dog?
- hand out and let him smell me.
We then grabbed stuffed doggie and went through a demonstration of a nice way to pet a dog, especially one we don't know. From there it moved to kitty and all the ways we take care of her. I loved the chat and told her next time maybe we'd talk about beach safety, 'cause you know what comes right after spring? Summer. hello sandy toes and sandcastles.
{When and how do you talk safety with your kids?}
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