Two Ways to be A Super Model. (OK... a Safety Super Model!)

When it comes to teaching tweens about safety, “Practice what you preach” goes a long way.  Even kids with iPods permanently glued into their ears are still watching what you are doing.  Watching, learning and repeating your actions. Sometimes a non-verbal safety lesson is the better alternative to just talking until you are blue in the face. Especially, since it feels like half the time our Tween’s are tuning us out anyway!

Be a “Super Model Mom & Daily Safety Dad”! Every day you have subtle ways to model safety to your tweens. You may be surprised however, to realize how often you make unsafe choices. Yes, we are talking to you!  If you want your tween to grow up and make safe choices, then make sure you are modeling those behaviors yourself. By starting now, you will have less of an uphill battle over family safety rules if you have established them as a household rule that you all follow. 

Model Behaviors for parents:

 No child left behind.

Imagine this... you’re tired… your kids are hungry… there is a pile of homework to get started on. You just want to get home. Yet, as you swing in to pick up your Tween, you notice 3 kids still waiting outside for a ride.  As easy as it would be to leave…resit the urge. Stay! Here’s why staying is important….

• Your kids know that even though it is not convenient to stay, it is the safe thing to do.
•  If you were running late, wouldn't you want an adult to stay with your child until you arrived?
•  By staying until those kids are picked up you are sending the message that every kid’s safety is important.
•  The buddy system is an important tool in personal safety (even for adults).

You are in the driver seat: Tweens learn about safe driving habits from YOU! 

Start modeling good driving behavior. Tweens spend endless hours in the car and will learn their future driving habits from you.

• Stop using your hand held phone while driving
• Parents should not text or e-mail while driving. Ever.
• Watch your speed.
• Pay attention to those yellow-but- just-about-to-turn-red traffic signals.
• Be a more thoughtful – less aggressive – driver.
• Don’t pick up hitchhikers (Yes! People still do this! )
• Don’t drink then drive. (Think about it... do you want your soon-to-be-teen to drink “just one beer” and then drive?)