How to Keep Children Safe

Our society tends to be a perilous place if left unwatched. This leads us to the question: "How can we keep our children safe?" This is a question that has several layers to it. We'll start with the most obvious ones and work our way down.
Depending on the age of the child the parents need to know where the child is at all times. Parents should have a close network of adult friends in the neighborhood and community. Parents should pro-actively govern who their children are hanging out with so that they know whose house they are likely to be at. Making sure our children keep friendships with people with families and children you know and trust can by very key in keeping our children safe.

The second level of safety we need to watch out for is stranger safety. Teach children never to talk to strangers and to avoid them at all costs. This goes along with knowing where children are at all times and making sure they are only with families that are trustworthy. Children should generally not be allowed to be alone. Its fine if they play in their room alone, but not outside alone unless the parent or trusted adult is watching them (trusted that is the parent of the child and that family's broader community). Make sure your kids are with friends or with an trusted adult, preferably another parent. Depending on the age of the child it may be appropriate to enroll the child in martial arts. If they have a good teacher the child will not become more aggressive, in fact just the opposite will occur. The child will be come more confident and self-controlled. Granted no child is perfect, but the rewards of good martial arts training if properly tended can last for years.