Safe among people and on the way to school. Teach your child important rules.

Once a child comes into your life, you can’t avoid worrying about them. Whether you are an anxious parent or not easily rattled, there are situations you should prepare your child for. What could threaten them outside, beyond the safety of home?

Lost child

We all fear this. We go somewhere with a lot of people, plenty of temptations around, and confusion. Just a moment of inattention and the child is gone. Prepare for this unpleasant situation in advance so that everyone knows how to act.

• Start at home and dress your child in brightly coloured clothing. Also, let them notice what you are wearing.
• The basic rule is: If you get lost, stay where you are. The child must know never to set out on their own to look for their parents.
• With an older child, you can agree on a distinctive meeting point in case you get separated.
• If waiting in place takes too long, it will be necessary to ask for help. The key is knowing whom the child can approach: a police officer, paramedic, event organiser, shop assistant, security staff, or information desk staff. If no such person is in sight, a good choice is to approach a mother with children.
• Make sure the child can say the name of their mum, dad, or simply the person accompanying them. Saying they were “with mum” won’t help in the search.

Being able to clearly say their full name or even a parent’s phone number is a great skill. But you know how it is – children often go through shy phases when they refuse to speak even to their grandmother. Add the stress of a crisis situation, and you can’t rely on them remembering everything. That’s why a child should have important information clearly written down. An ideal solution is an ID bracelet. Because we care about children’s safety and parents’ peace of mind, you’ll find it in our offer. On the durable bracelet, you can easily write the child’s name, a contact number, or any important information. This way, you don’t have to worry about them losing a note with the phone number in their pocket or forgetting it entirely.

Not everyone is a friend

Whether the child ends up alone outside unexpectedly or is old enough to move around without supervision, they need to know how to behave with strangers.

What rules should you teach your child?

• Does someone say they know your mum or dad? Have you seen them together several times? Did they seem to have a good relationship? If not, don’t trust them.
• Don’t rely on appearances. Nice clothes and a smile don’t guarantee someone is good. Just because a stranger knows something about you or your parents doesn’t mean you can trust them.
• Don’t be ashamed to say: My parents told me not to talk to strangers, and I don’t know you.
• Don’t be ashamed to run away.
• It’s always better to misjudge someone who meant no harm than to trust someone who wants to hurt you.

Independent schoolchild

The start of the school year is just around the corner. Some children will soon become independent and will walk to and from school on their own. It’s a big step, and preparation is essential so both you and your schoolchild can feel at ease.

• The basics are a school bag and clothes with reflective elements. In autumn and winter months, when it’s often still dark or foggy in the morning, add reflective bands, for example on the arms.
• Walk the route together several times and point out safe places to cross the road. On the final practice, let the child walk alone while you stay a quiet observer, maybe a few steps behind.
• Talk about the need to be attentive on the way. Headphones and looking at a phone should wait until they are at home.
• Crossing the road is one of the biggest dangers on the route. Discuss that even a green light at the pedestrian crossing or a driver stopping doesn’t mean they can rush across without looking – they still need to pay attention.
• Will your child be taking public transport? They might accidentally get on the wrong bus or get off at the wrong stop. Discuss these emergency scenarios too.

When a child goes out alone, parents want a way to communicate with them. If you’re not ready to get them a mobile phone, children’s smartwatches are a good option. Whatever device you choose, teach them how to use it so they won’t hesitate even in a stressful situation. Set up the most important contacts for quick dialling. Mum and dad may not always be available. It’s good to have numbers for other trusted family members or friends, as well as the school phone number.

Now you know everything your child should be able to do to stay safe when they go out. How do you practise it all? Forget long lectures. Instead, start by asking your child how they would react in a given situation. Let them think about whether it’s really the best solution and what they could do differently. Use every real-life situation to discuss together the right way to act.

Your Mama Labels team wishes you pleasant moments outdoors with your children.