Helpful Information for Parents
Provided by the Poway Unified School District
This last year has brought many national, state and local tragedies that frighten our children and cause parents to wonder how they can ensure their children's safety. Whether it is terrorism, random violence, or child abduction and abuse, our children certainly have heard in the news media or from others about these serious events. As parents, you are in a primary position to help your children understand these events, understand their feelings, and, very importantly, be available to hear from them anything they might share which would help make them more safe. Listed below are several helpful tips to aid parents in talking with their children about tough issues. Also listed are various contacts that can help parents by providing more information and resources for support.
- Communicate Your Values - As a parent, you have a wonderful opportunity to be the first person to talk with your children about tough issues. Remember: research shows that children want and need moral guidance from their moms and dads; so don't hesitate to make your beliefs clear.
- Initiate Conversations With Your Children - Just one or two questions could help start a valuable discussion that comes from everyday circumstances and events.
- Discuss Sensitive Subjects - If you feel uncomfortable talking about sensitive subjects with your young child, you're not alone. Many parents feel awkward and uneasy, especially if they are anxious about the subject. But, for your kid's sake, try to overcome your nervousness and bring up the issue with your child.
- In talking with your child, provide simple, accurate information to questions.
- Repeat your child's words that recognize fear, anxiety, or insecurity. (You are sorry because… You are afraid that…)
- Provide reassuring comments. (We are together…We care about you…We will take care of you.)
- Encourage Time for Listening - How do you create a time and environment for talking and listening? By being encouraging, supportive, and positive. Listening carefully to your children lets them know that they're important to you and can lead to valuable discussions about a wide variety of issues. Listening carefully also can help you to better understand what your children really want to know as well as what they already understand. Listen and talk to your child about his/her own feelings.
- Be Patient - By listening patiently, children have time to think at their own pace and you are letting them know that they are worthy of our time.
- Seeking Professional Help - If you suspect a problem, you can turn to your family physicians, clergy, schools, and resources available in your community for assistance.
Resources available:
- Your school site administrator can provide you with information about support services available for your children at the school site and within the District.
- The Poway Unified School District maintains a hotline for reporting information or seeking help. The hotline number is (858) 679-2686.
- A website is available that gives information on "Megan's Law" and the general location of registered sex offenders in your area (www.sandiego.gov/police).
- Individuals can access more specific information about sex offenders by contacting their local law enforcement agency, or visiting the San Diego Police Department Headquarters at 1400 E Street from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- The San Diego District attorney's Office provides the following information about what parents can do to protect their children regarding the Internet: "By following some simple rules, you can minimize the dangers to yourself and your children online.
- Keep your computer in a common area of the house.
- Set time and use restrictions.
- Use blocking and filtering programs.
Remember that the most important way to protect your child online is to educate yourself and be involved with your child's online use. (For more tips go to www.dasafenet.com)
|
