As a parent, you want to do everything you can to keep your kids safe and supported. That includes making sure they're supervised in the hours after school. There are a few different ways you can go about this. For example, you can hire a babysitter or nanny to stay with them at your home, send them to an after-school program, or have a relative stay with them. Regardless of which option you choose, there are some safety measures that should be taken. Let's talk about the top 8 ways for keeping kids safe after school.
Our Top 8 Tips for Keeping Kids Safe After School
Tip #1: Hire a babysitter or nanny who is trustworthy
One of the best tips for keeping kids safe after school is to hire a babysitter or nanny who is trustworthy if you can't be with your kids. This person will be responsible for supervising your children, so it's important that you feel confident in their ability to do so. When interviewing potential candidates, be sure to ask about their experience with children and what they would do in various situations. You should also run a background check on them before making your final decision.
Tip #2: Send your kids to an after-school program
Another option is to send them to an after-school program. These programs are designed to provide structure and supervision for children during the hours after school. Many of them also offer enrichment activities, such as tutoring, sports, and arts and crafts.
Before enrolling your child in an after-school program, be sure to do your research. Read reviews and talk to other parents to get a sense of the quality of the program. You should also visit the program in person to see if it's a good fit for your child.
Check out our explore page to find some incredible after school activities in your area!
Tip #3: Create a routine for after-school hours
If you decide not to send your child to an after-school program, you still have options for keeping kids safe after school. Creating a routine for the hours after school is one of our favorite tips. This might include having them do their homework as soon as they get home, making sure they have a healthy snack, and then letting them have some time to relax before dinner. You can also use this time to talk to your child about their day and see if they need any help with anything.
Creating a routine will help your child know what to expect after school and will make it easier for you to keep track of their activities. It's also important to make sure that you stick to the routine as much as possible so that your child knows they can rely on it.
Tip #4: Be available for your child
It's important that you are available for your child during the hours after school. This doesn't mean that you have to be with them every minute, but it does mean being available if they need you.
If you can't be at home when your child gets out of school, make sure to have a backup plan in place. This could include having a friend or relative pick them up, or making arrangements with their school for after-school activities.
Tip #5: Keep communication open
Ensuring communication is open is one of the best tips for keeping kids safe after school. This way, they will feel comfortable coming to you with any problems or concerns they may have.
It's also important to keep communication open with the people who are responsible for your child's care during the hours after school. This includes teachers, babysitters, and any other adults who may be involved in their care. By doing this, you can ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to keeping your child safe.
Tip #6: Be aware of signs of trouble
It's important to be aware of signs that your child may be in danger. These can include changes in behavior, such as withdrawing from friends or activities, or sudden changes in mood. If you notice any of these signs, it's important to talk to your child and see what might be going on.
If you're ever concerned that your child may be in danger, don't hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources available to families who are dealing with difficult situations.
Tip #7: Teach stranger danger
One of the most important tips for keeping kids safe after school is teaching them how to stay safe around strangers. Teach them never to go off with someone they don't know, even if that person seems friendly. If a stranger tries to approach them, they should know to come find you or another trusted adult right away.
It's also important to teach kids what to do if they're ever lost. They should know their full name, address, and phone number so they can easily tell someone how to get in touch with you. It's also a good idea to give them a list of trusted adults they can go to if they can't find you.
Tip #8: Listen to your children's needs
Your kids will feel more comfortable coming to you with problems if they know you're open to listening. So make sure you create an environment where they feel like they can talk to you about anything.
If you notice your child is withdrawn or acting out, take the time to talk to them about what's going on. They may not be ready to open up right away, but letting them know you're there for them can make a world of difference.
Conclusion
Keeping kids safe after school doesn't have to be complicated. Just keep an eye on them, create a safe environment for them, and listen to their needs. With these simple tips, you can help your children thrive both in and out of school!
Before You Go
Make sure you check out these additional resources for keeping kids safe after school and some of our favorite afterschool activities!
