Friday, March 2, 2018

School's Out, But Safety's Always in Session



The alarm bell rings and kids cease to be the teacher’s problem. Once they are off the premises, it’s down to their legal guardians to pick up the slack. Moms sometimes wish they could be off the clock but they can’t because parenting is a full-time job. Even when they are in class, moms worry about their safety and how they can keep them secure. After the events of Parkland, Florida, children’s well-being is in the spotlight more than before. In fact, it’s mainly been highlighted after the 19 school shootings this year.


Out of sight, out of mind doesn’t apply which is why we can’t usher them onto the bus and switch off. As role models and guardians, it’s our job to ensure they are fit and healthy whether the school’s in or out of session. If you’re wondering how, check out the following, non-exhaustive advice.


Bus Or Car?


Because there are never enough hours in a day, moms and dads let their kids take the bus to school. As benign as it sounds, the experience can be daunting for little children. For one thing, coaches aren’t renowned for their reliability and safety certificates. Just getting on their may is a hazard for a small student. Mentally, it can be tough too because the journey to school is where bullies begin to develop. Remember that there are no invigilators and the kids are free to act how they please. The driver can get involved, but he or she isn’t going to step in because it isn’t their job. As a result, driving your son(s) or daughter(s) to class is often the best option as you’re in control physically and mentally. Be sure to drive safe and make everyone wear their seatbelts.


Internal Policies


Teachers and principals must care for their students, which is why school policies exist. In them, the authorities should detail how they and the children will react in an emergency situation. Thinking about Parkland, the advice should center on finding cover and trying to flee as quickly as possible. Shootings aren’t the only issues, however, as worsening weather has a role to play too. What happens when there is a flood or a wildfire? And, keep bullying in mind because it ranks #1 on the list of pupils’ problems. A mom has to read the policy at the start of every year and analyze what it says. Should the actions not be up to your standard, then a parent has the right to contact teachers and arrange a meeting.


External Policies


As well as the rules the school sets, there will be the ones which you have to teach your kids. Typically, they will run along the same lines, especially if you’re not an expert in a certain field. However, some may go against what you believe in, or they may not exist whatsoever. In these situations, parents have to sit their kids down and walk them through the gaps in their knowledge. Physical violence is probably the prime example for moms. The majority of parents condemns and doesn’t condone fighting, and that should be in keeping with the school’s policies. However, what the principal and the board of governors will neglect to mention is the right to self-defense. Nearly 99% of parents wouldn’t disagree with their child fighting back if another kid threw the first punch.


Job Opportunities


At some point, a mother has to trust a teacher to do their job. Kids need space while at school, which is why turning up as an assistant can be mortifying. Sometimes, your actions add fuel to the fire instead of water to the flames. The key is to be involved without suffocating your children and harming their independence. In the classroom, this is nearly impossible because your shadow will loom large. But, some jobs help to find a perfect balance. Nurses create great workplaces and study places in schools as they offer aid while keeping a watchful eye. A student with an illness or injury, no matter how serious, will look to you as the first port of call for help. By treating them, their discomfort won’t inhibit their learning. When it’s your “baby” that needs attention, the feeling is all the sweeter. Plus, being on the premises gives lets you spy while keeping your distance.




The World Wide Web


Moms that aren’t at school won’t know what is happening, when or why. For a person who has to solve the issue ASAP, this is a distinct disadvantage. In the past, women had to use their intuition and powers of persuasion to break down barriers. Now, the internet will do it for you and relieve the pressure. Kids will inevitably disagree, but monitoring their online time is a mother’s duty. To begin with, there are predators online that prey on young children. Just as importantly, Facebook and Twitter leave the vulnerable open to cyberbullying. Thanks to social media, the torment continues way after the bell rings. Looking at their “walls” and “tweets” is a sure-fire way to pick up on problems that are happening behind the scenes. When warning signs flare, a conversation with their teacher help both parties find ways to move forward. Sitting your child down and having “the talk” is imperative too.


Emergency Details


Schools have files with contact details and addresses for guardians and next of kin. This data, however, is only as good as the people who provide it in the first place. Think about how many times you have moved house in the past two years, and then do the same with a cell phone. The odds are high that either contact info is the same now as it was when you first filled in the sheet. Apart from being an admin mishap, it creates a potentially dangerous situation. Should your child be in trouble at school, there will be no way to inform you of an update. When details change, be sure to tell the school.


What are your rules to make sure kids are safe during term time?