Can you believe that summer is almost over? Where did it go? I read a post on Facebook the other day from a teacher that said July goes by faster than any month of the year for teachers. I can believe that. While parents can’t wait for kids to get back in school, teachers are enjoying their summer prepping for the next school year. However, there are some things that parents and kids can do to protect themselves this next school year. As Agoura Hills real estate agents we want you and your family to stay safe in all areas of your life. Here are some great back-to-school safety tips.

#1. Make sure your kids know the bus route.

If your kids are going to take the bus, drive them to school the first day and follow the bus along the route. If anything if years off from the route, your children should be a little suspicious. Also, the children can actually help the new bus drivers or substitute bus drivers with certain directions to keep them on schedule. Make sure your kids know the route.

#2. Don’t let your kids walk to the bus stop alone.

Maybe the bus stop is right in front of your house but regardless, don’t let them hang out there by themselves. Wait until there’s another parent or at least a couple more children out there before sending your kid to the bus stop. There is safety in numbers.

#3. Make sure there’s a plan of action in case something bad should happen.

Run through a scenario with your kids and let them know if they are in danger in any way to scream help or “you’re not my mom/dad” and then run to the nearest business or back to school if possible. If anyone gets separated, make sure they all understand a meeting point for the entire family or how to contact a parent or an adult. Make sure all your children know your phone number, cell phone number and address.

#4. Establish a code word with your children to identify trusted individuals.

Children should never get in the car with anyone no matter what they say. However, if there is a safety word among family members, guardians can inform others of this safety word so that children can trust a particular individual. Otherwise, children should never get in the car with a stranger or even other parents of kids they don’t know very well.

#5. Make sure your children know who is a trusted adult.

Police officers, business owners, teachers are all options that children can typically run into in case of an emergency. However, if they are ever in a situation that makes him feel uncomfortable they have the right to say no and to scream for help at any time. Make sure they understand that not all bad people look evil. Some very bad people can be extremely kind asking for help looking for a lost pet or even their own lost child.

#6. School is not always the safety zone.

In today’s day and age, it can be difficult for children to trust just about anyone so let them understand that even in school, things can happen and to apply the same rules at school as they would in their own neighborhood.

We don’t want to scare the children but we do want them to be aware of the dangers of society and to keep them as safe as possible. Not understanding these safety tips could be detrimental. Let your child know that the majority of people are typically good but to always have their feelers up and what to do in case of an emergency. Have a great school year!

Jay and Michelle Lieberman are experts in Agoura Hills real estate, Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks California. Contact them anytime for tips, advice or buyer or seller information on any real estate in the LA or Ventura County area. 

Back To School Safety Tips For Parents and Kids