By looking around and noticing things closer to the level of our own eyes, we’re much more likely to notice potential problems earlier. By noticing early, we can take action to prevent problems and stay safe, making our odds of having a good day go way up.
The word ‘danger’ and the word ‘stranger’ are both important in making safety plans – it’s good to avoid danger, and stranger safety habits help prevent problems. It’s too bad that they rhyme, though, because we’ve been really quick to stick them together, and putting these rhyming words together gives them power they don’t deserve to have over how we think and how we feel.
Tools work best when we match the tool to the problem that we’re facing. This is true for hand tools like hammers and screwdrivers, and it’s true for safety tools, as well.
When we’re triggered or exploded with any feeling – like sadness, fear or anger – it’s hard to think clearly and make wise choices for ourselves. Next time you’re angry and ready to give someone an electronic piece of your mind, think first!
This episode talks about how to use your “Internal Safety Alarm,” one of the best tools for noticing, preventing, or dealing with possible problems early, before they grow between friends, family members, and others. Understanding this tool supports better school experiences, too!
Many kids, teens, and adults enjoy sneaking up on others and surprising them, maybe by jumping out from behind a door or by creeping up behind a friend or a family member very quietly. Usually, they do this to have fun, but a lot of the time it starts problems instead.
How do you decide when to use your earphones? Adults get to choose for themselves, and children get to choose within the boundaries their adults give. The truth is, wearing earphones can interfere with awareness, so Thinking First about where you are, what you are doing, and what possible problems might come up helps you figure out the best choice for you in different situations.
Bullying Prevention Expert and Kidpower Leader, Irene van der Zande, reviews the “Bully” movie with an eye toward what to do after you watch the documentary – because just watching is not enough to make a lasting difference for kids and families struggling with severe bullying, even in schools and communities where “anti-bullying” policies have been adopted.
Our affordable safety comics, teaching books, handbooks, and program manuals prepare readers to bring Kidpower’s “People Safety” knowledge and skills into their daily lives.
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