Talking About: Keeping Safe |Children's book by author Sarah Levete

Keeping Safe: Talking About Series

All children deserve to be protected and safe.

As adults keeping safe becomes second nature to us. When children first begin to do things on their own and start learning to be responsible it is the parents and carers job to give them information which will help them understand what to do if they feel unsafe and how to avoid potentially dangerous situations.

This excellent book is targeted for ages 4-12 and discusses a wide range of issues from being aware of household dangers like electricity and hot water to safety on the internet and avoiding games and films with age ratings which indicate that they might have frightening or upsetting content.

Everyone wants you to have fun and enjoy being a child. This book talks directly to children and is also a brilliant resource to assist parents educate younger children. There is also a list of supportive books and helpful contact information at the back of the book.

Furnished with descriptive coloured photos, a number of children tell their stories. Readers may identify with something that has happened to them and think about how they could better deal with the situation through this role modelling.

The aim is for kids to feel safe to speak up about their own experiences and ask for help and advice.

Children are encouraged to trust and identify feelings that someone or something is not right. Butterflies in the tummy or goosebumps are given as examples.

Being firm but polite, saying ‘No’ and walking away if you feel threatened and knowing that you aren’t being rude or silly by trusting your feelings or doing what you know is the safe thing to do.

Ellie’s Story:
Ellie was offered a ride home by a lady who lives in her street. Even though she felt silly she said she’d wait for the bus. She told her dad what had happened and he made a list for her of all the people it was safe for her to accept rides from. This included the lady down the road.

There are so many helpful suggestions and great topics to explore in this little book. Breathe slowly, don’t panic, think ahead, shout for help if you need it!

What to do if you get lost at a mall, how to choose a safe route to walk, what to do if you encounter bullies and remembering to never tell people that you are home alone.

Hugs and cuddles are mean to make you feel safe and loved. They should never be secret.

The sensitive topic of unsuitable touching and feeling uncomfortable around certain people is considerately and clearly broached. Kids sometimes don’t tell because they feel they have done something wrong.

It is gently reaffirmed that it is important and safe to tell a trusted adult about what you are feeling even if it’s about a relative or a family friend.

We recommend this book as it gives kids so many tools to keep safe and build confidence.

Things that damage us as children can become big problems when we are older. Preventing our precious ones from harm by empowering them in a balanced way is a priceless gift.