A fresh experience of suddenly being a SAHM is exciting and at the same time overwhelming for me. On one side the excitement of being with children, on the other hand the anxiety of bringing them up to be better human beings, sensitive to others feelings and needs makes me feel anxious. Reading the newspaper in India is like taking a glance at a police station register, you can find only and only crimes. Of all the crimes sexual exploitation is the clear winner! We all have been brought up by busy parents, but the rate at which we get to know of these crimes now a days is outrageous.. And when you start seeing few episodes around you, it is time you wake up and take action!!
Note : This is applicable to smaller kids till the age of 15. Of course every parent is different and you might choose to be more or less lenient. These are general precautions and totally my opinion as a parent
As a parent/guardian, what are the things to keep in mind to avoid such incidents? We can not monitor our kids 24/7, but we can have some stern habits to protect our vulnerable kids from such monsters.
1. At any cost never ever leave a girl child(even boys sometimes) with anyone alone except parents and grandparents.
Specially small families in cities. You may say that the Uncles, aunts, Cha-cha, Bua, taus, phoopha, all are here as family but it is not their primary responsibility to take care of your child. No blame game later! If you are anxious better be present.
2. Never let your child change clothes in presence of anyone, be it a relative, friend, helper except they are the main caretakers.
3. Ensure your child is dropped and picked up by parents/grandparents. We see that many people exploit the lonely status of the child. So being dropped by drivers, maids, neighborhood uncles, friends sons, etc. can be avoided till the child is at least of an age to comprehend the surrounding.
4. Going to parks-- kids like going to parks and play areas. Ensure there are no funny strangers people loitering. If you are a regular in the park, ensure other parents or grandparents present recognize you and your child together. That ways if someone is luring your child away, others will be on guard and raise a voice. Talk to other parents and be on a good books.
5. If you are of the type who doesn't want unwanted infections and influence from parks, let your child play outside the house with kids. Physical play is must but ensure you know what your child is playing.
6. NEVER EVER allow your kid to eat any eatable from anyone except you. They can accept toffee or chocolates of friends but let them eat at home. NEVER in your absence.
7. If you send your kid to any class, ensure either parents/grandparent be with them or at least drop/pick them till the door. Always ask the child about the behaviour of the teacher and judge accordingly. You need not sit with the child always, that will reduce their confidence fully.
Learning new skills is important, but not at the cost of safety and sanity of the child.
8. Always get to know the both point of views as far as possible. Tell your child to be surrounded with friends as much as possible.
9. When going to birthday parties, always try to accompany. Avoid night stays. Even if best friends, and friendly parents, unknown factors are more.
10. Last but the most important point. While watching TV or any gadget, knowing the content is of utmost importance. As part of a game, some advertisements and content can be heavily misleading and force the child to commit certain actions.
9. When going to birthday parties, always try to accompany. Avoid night stays. Even if best friends, and friendly parents, unknown factors are more.
10. Last but the most important point. While watching TV or any gadget, knowing the content is of utmost importance. As part of a game, some advertisements and content can be heavily misleading and force the child to commit certain actions.
Finally incase alone, the child should know how to retaliate if cornered. Teach few tips like biting, screaming, pinching hard, soft spots in a gentle way(not to scare them but to be alert).
As Tamil port Subramania Bharathi says
பாதகஞ் செய்பவரைக் கண்டால் – நாம்
பயங்கொள்ள லாகாது பாப்பா,
மோதி மிதித்துவிடு பாப்பா – அவர்
முகத்தில் உமிழ்ந்துவிடு பாப்பா.
பயங்கொள்ள லாகாது பாப்பா,
மோதி மிதித்துவிடு பாப்பா – அவர்
முகத்தில் உமிழ்ந்துவிடு பாப்பா.
Meaning-
We should never be afraid, my little one,
Of bad ,ones who do cruel deeds, my little one,
Dash and trample them , my little one,
And spit at their face, my little one.
Of bad ,ones who do cruel deeds, my little one,
Dash and trample them , my little one,
And spit at their face, my little one.
Note : This is applicable to smaller kids till the age of 15. Of course every parent is different and you might choose to be more or less lenient. These are general precautions and totally my opinion as a parent
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