Your Family's Safety Codes

If you?re like a lot of families with small children, you may have a family code word. It might be ?Pink Lemonade? or ?Aunt Jackie? or something obscure enough it can?t be guessed, but easy for everyone to remember. Usually, code words are used to teach kids not to go anywhere with anyone who does not know that well-guarded code word.

A code word could also be used when someone needs help getting out of a bad situation. But before a code word is ever used for real, it might be helpful to try it out with role-playing situations. And of course, parents should always stress to their kids the importance of not revealing that secret code to anyone ? not even their best friend or neighbor.

Code words can also act as a security tool when kids enter their pre-teen and teen years and become more independent. For example, your son might be at a friend?s party that?s getting out of hand. But he knows that he can always call home to ?check in?, say the code word, and it?s a cue for you to pick him up. Many parents also have a ?code of honor,? a commitment to ask questions later, not in the moment. This builds trust between you and also works as a strategy to avoid peer pressure and stay safe.

How are safety code words used in your family? Do you have a story where your family code word was especially useful? How do you teach your little ones about family code words? Share with other parents your advice and experience with code words and other helpful family precautions.

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