What is this newfound freedom? Yesterday your mom was picking out your clothes and tucking you into bed. Today she's dropping you and your friends off at the mall. It's too good to be true! This didn't magically happen, though. You worked for days, weeks, YEARS begging and pleading your parents to let you do more things on your own, without them holding your hand!
Your parents aren't only giving you freedom. They're also giving you more responsibility. So you should pay attention to safety tips as best as you can.
Be responsible for yourself! Whether you're going to a party or staying home with no babysitter, there are safety tips to know to ensure your safety.
Before you wave goodbye to your dad, and you and your ten closest BFFs run rampant through the mall, talk to your parents and friends about safety tips.
Here are just a few important safety tips no matter where you are:
- NEVER talk to strangers, no matter how cute they look or nice they seem.
- Always have at least $10 in cash on you. Don't spend it on candy or soda. This money is for those "just in case" instances.
- Make sure your cell phone is charged, and you have minutes left. No cell phone? Bring spare change for a pay phone.
- Don't wreak havoc—wherever you are. You might get attention from security if you're at the mall or the movies and get kicked out. When your parents find out, say goodbye to your freedom.
Safety tips say you should pick a spot to get picked up. Always set a clear time when your parents will pick you up and respect that time. When your mom says 3:00 p.m., she doesn't mean 3:15 p.m. If you're always punctual, she'll be more apt to let you go out with your friends more often.
Safety Tips on Being Home Alone
So your parents are letting you stay home by yourself without the watchful eyes of a babysitter? Time to par-tay, right? Wrong! A night without the 'rents is not a license to have a group of friends over. You will get in A LOT of trouble. So save your parents the grief, and use this time to spend with yourself.
Before your parents go out on the town (or wherever it is parents go), make sure you have a number where you can reach them and a time you can expect them home.
If someone calls your house, NEVER say you are home alone. If the caller asks to speak to your mom, tell him she's in the bathroom. If someone knocks on the door, don't open the door even if you know the person. Keep plenty of lights on and listen to music or watch TV.
Hearing strange noises outside? Don't go out there to investigate. Always stay in your house with the doors locked. If you start to get scared or freaked out, call your parents or another responsible adult for safety tips.
With freedom, comes responsibility. The more responsible you act, the more your parents will trust you. This is what growing up is all about!
