The summer light is fading, backpacks stand ready by doors, and across countless households, a familiar anxiety settles in: school is starting.
While parents in several Georgia counties rush through last-minute supply checks and outfit decisions, there’s something more fundamental than new notebooks or the perfect first-day outfit. It’s about making sure your child has the tools to navigate the world safely when you’re not there to guide them.
Here are five essential pieces of knowledge every child should carry whether they started school last week, or are starting this week.
1. Their Personal Information
Before they step onto that school bus, ensure your child can recite their address, phone number, and how to contact you or another guardian.This information could be a lifeline in unexpected situations.
2. The Power of Awareness
Teach them to lift their eyes from screens and notice the world around them. Awareness isn’t paranoia; it’s presence. Children who recognize what’s normal in their environment can better identify when something isn’t right.
3. The Buddy System
There’s safety in numbers. Whether walking to school, biking home, or playing in the neighborhood after schoo, having a companion significantly reduces vulnerability.
4. The Path Well Lit
Make sure your child understands why sticking to open, visible routes matters, even if it means a slightly longer journey.
5. Stranger Interactions
Children should understand they don’t owe strangers conversation or information. Role-play scenarios where someone asks questions or requests help—teach them polite but firm disengagement.
Most importantly, establish that reporting something that made them uncomfortable is never tattling—it’s self-protection. The trusted adult they tell should be someone who will listen without judgment.
As the school year begins, these conversations aren’t one-and-done. They’re ongoing dialogues that evolve as your child grows. The world outside your door can be wonderful and challenging in equal measure—equip them to navigate it confidently.
