Child Safety in Gated Communities - what must be done
Good piece in news today on child safety in gated communities and what parents must do:
Have daily, involved conversations about the child’s day. Non-negotiable. Kids are unforthcoming. Find ways to beat that. This is on you. “My child doesn’t tell me anything” cannot be your defence.
* After you have had the conversation, check every couple of months, in very direct ways if they have been touched inappropriately. Ask pointed questions. Watch their reactions carefully. You know when your kid is hiding something.
* Know your child’s rhythm. When does she get home? Even a five-minute delay should cause concern. What is her mood like? Who does she talk to? Does she trust you?
* Have a good idea of the people your community employs. This is crucial. Background checks, names, details. Make sure these are regularly updated and verified. Not the most foolproof way, sure, but better than having zero idea of who is being employed in spaces where our children play free.
* Like the neighbourhood-watch idea in the US, come up with a plan where parents who have time keep an eye on all children during play time. It needn’t be intense guarding. Just a presence is enough. (This has other downsides, but it might be worth thinking along these lines.) more
Have daily, involved conversations about the child’s day. Non-negotiable. Kids are unforthcoming. Find ways to beat that. This is on you. “My child doesn’t tell me anything” cannot be your defence.
* After you have had the conversation, check every couple of months, in very direct ways if they have been touched inappropriately. Ask pointed questions. Watch their reactions carefully. You know when your kid is hiding something.
* Know your child’s rhythm. When does she get home? Even a five-minute delay should cause concern. What is her mood like? Who does she talk to? Does she trust you?
* Have a good idea of the people your community employs. This is crucial. Background checks, names, details. Make sure these are regularly updated and verified. Not the most foolproof way, sure, but better than having zero idea of who is being employed in spaces where our children play free.
* Like the neighbourhood-watch idea in the US, come up with a plan where parents who have time keep an eye on all children during play time. It needn’t be intense guarding. Just a presence is enough. (This has other downsides, but it might be worth thinking along these lines.) more
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You should have posted it in the social media, such as, Face Book, Whats app, tweeter etc. to have better coverage. more
Jul 24
All parents should read this book: "how to talk so kids will listen and how to listen so kids will talk" by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish. This is adopted by many schools and PPTs are available, which are based on the concepts in this book. Here is one for example: https://www.tbcs.org/uploaded/Resources/Presentations/Tools_for_Success_16/How_to_Talk_So_Kids_Will_Listen.pdf If you have children, you will benefit hugely from this book. Whether you live in a gated community or not, does not matter. you will have that comfort with the child. more
Jul 24
states have to set up child friendly courts and vulnerable witness courts in all the districts . All Inquiries and trials under Juvenile Justice Act , protection of children from sexual offences Act, the prohibition of child marriages Act and other similar offences are required to be carried with a degree of sensitivity , care and empathy for the Juvenile victims,and all the posts in these commissions are filled up with responsible and sensible persons . The police have a greater role in these cases are there is every need to set up special Juvenile police units. Eminent persons from civil society must be appointed as visitors to monitor the functioning of these child care institutions. Therefore for atmost 5 Gated communities one CHILD FRIENDLY courts should be set up immediately. more
Jul 23
Stress of Earning hurts but the Cruelty to children is worst scene for the Society. V need to ensure the people in the society learn n share observation of those Known n Unknown. Training of Security Staff to b more observant n vigilant while V R sharing wellness for them too more
Jul 23
