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Your Child's Personal Safety Inventory

By the time your child is navigating independently in your community, they should have mastered the skills listed under "Safety Assets." Preschoolers don't have many safety skills. They are "Safety Liabilities" and require constant supervision.

Personal safety skills should be taught over a period of years, starting at age three. Complete this inventory for each of your children and use it as a guide for granting privileges and responsibilities. Ask preteens to fill out their own inventory. Then compare theirs with yours and discuss what skills need to be improved.

Safety Assets Safety Liabilities

Can say "no" to adults Is compliant with all adults

Can name all parts of her body, including private parts (genitals) Is embarrassed by or cannot talk about her genitals

Can turn down a dare Will accept dares

Can recognize and trust his feelings Ignores or cancels out feelings

Can recognize and say no to uncomfortable touches Seeks or accepts affection from most or all adults

Can follow rules well Has trouble following rules

Can talk about problems or feelings Has difficulty talking about feelings

Will risk making a scene if necessary Won't draw attention to herself or ask people for help

Can use 911 or Operator in an emergency Doesn't know how to call 911 or "0" in an emergency

Knows name, address and phone number Does not know all identifying information

Knows how to safely interact with strangers Is terrified by or very friendly toward strangers

Would refuse a bribe from an adult Would accept a bribe from an adult

Knows how to answer the phone without disclosing too much information Tells callers too much information

Will only open the door with your permission Opens the door to anyone

Would "Yell, Run and Tell" if in trouble Would freeze and not be able to think or act in an emergency

Questions adults' motives and doesn't immediately trust them Is easily persuaded by adults

Knows what to do if he gets lost or separated from you Doesn't know what to do if he gets lost or separated from you

Can distinguish between uniformed officers and impostors Would obey anyone who was wearing a uniform or flashed a badge

Would share a secret with you if scared or threatened Would keep a secret if scared or threatened

Would be able to recognize and avoid common lures Could be tricked by someone who gained his trust and confidence

TOTAL ASSETS TOTAL LIABILITIES

From "Raising Careful, Confident Kids in a Crazy World," by Paula Statman. Copyright � 1999 Piccolo Press, Oakland, CA. Paula is the founder of the KidWISE Institute (1-888-Kid-Wise), with 20 years experience as a psychotherapist and educator. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

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