Recent events at a prominent theme park
where two young boys were followed into a washroom stall and assaulted
are an unfortunate reminder to parents that we need to be vigilant at
all times to help keep our children safe.
We have added these tips for families
when using public washrooms at all times and as part of a
-
If your
child is old enough, discuss safety issues about strangers in
general and specifically about going to the washroom - include
instructions to the child about yelling loudly "NO" or
"HELP" if approached by a stranger in any circumstance and
to approach security staff. Do this often and before any
family outing to reinforce your family's safety procedures.
-
Ask for and
use family washrooms where possible.
Encourage facilities to install family washrooms by requesting them
and even speaking to the manager or completing comment cards to
encourage the installation of these facilities.
-
Avoid
facilities that are down dark or long hallways - look for well-lit
washrooms.
-
Accompany
children when using public washrooms. "Our family rule is
if you are under 10 years of age and daddy can not go to the
washroom with our youngest son or both sons do not go into the
washroom together, he must go with mommy" - while he may be a
little embarrassed, "That's our rule" advises Maureen Hall
- President of Hotel and Leisure Living Services
Ltd.
-
Sending two
or three children together to the washroom or having older siblings
or friends accompany a younger child is an option. Encourage
them to enter and leave the washroom together.
-
Parents
should not feel uncomfortable about taking a under child into a
washroom facility if a family washroom is not available.
-
If you are
comfortable letting your child use the public washroom - stand
outside the door and call in as your child enters the washroom
"I'm right outside the door if you need me just call",
"Is everything alright?" and then call again in a minute
"Are you okay?". Insist that your child answer these
questions. You can even create a code word for the
answer. If you don't get an answer or are unsure enter the
washroom immediately to ensure your child is safe. Informing them
that you are going to do this will encourage them to answer you as
well.
-
Insist
that all family members wash their hands after using public
facilities.
All Tips are offered as suggestions only
While we have tried to provide you with
a list of suggestions to help parents when travelling with
children to keep them safe, unfortunately, we can’t
think of everything and it is the responsibility of
parents to ensure their children’s safety.
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Tips for Potty Training, Potty
Training while Travelling and Common Potty Training Practices
Keep young children close by with the Safety Harness with Hand Strap
For Amusement Park Tips Click Below
See the following sections for specific tips:
For General Travel Safety Tips Click on
For Car Safety Tips Click on
For
Hotel and Hotel Room Safety Tips Click on
For Winter Holiday Safety Tips Click on
For Playground Safety Tips Click on
For Pool and Beach Safety Tips Click on
For Tips on Buying Safe Toys Click Below:
For Safety Tips on Walking with Children Click Below:
For Kids Club Safety Tips Click on
For Sun Safety Tips Click on
For Fire Safety Tips Click on
For Biking Safety Tips Click on
For First Aid Tips Click on
For In-line Skating Safety Tips Click on
For Safety Tips - Severe Allergic
Reactions Click on
For Safety Tips for visiting Petting
Zoos and Animal Farms Click Below:
For Holiday Safety Tips Click Below:
You may also want to check out
Travel
News - Safety Issues
Click below to return to Travel Safety
Tips
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