Secure Zone Safety - College-age Child Safety

College-Age Child Safety

College-age child safety is a sore subject in some families. As our children make their way out into the world, it is not always easy to explain to them the perils that they may encounter. Children are sometimes overly anxious to become adults and may not be fully aware of the dark side of being on their own.

The first place that we encounter as adults is the world of college. The idea of being on our own amongst our peer group is very enticing. At the same time, it remains a subject of concern for parents. With the incidence of date rape and binge drinking as common worries for parents, it is important to educate our college age children on the do's and don'ts of college-age child safety .

It's easy to take the high road of parenting and begin a discussion as if it were a lecture. That's not the right approach. Teenagers and young adults have the ability to "tune out" information that they perceive as "for their own good." You may want to ask their opinion as a way to engage them in regards to the subject of college-age child safety.

Ask them to provide you with information. For example, see if they can educate you on the types of peer groups and services that are available on the campus they plan to attend. Also, find out if they have friends who will be attending the same university. If so, offer to take a group of them out for a special lunch or going away dinner. This will provide the perfect opportunity to broach the subject of college-age child safety. It will also be a great way for you to gauge the peer group of your child.

College-age child safety can be a tricky subject if you are not fully prepared. Children don't want to be told about the perils of something that they have looked forward to for many years. A different approach is preferential in making the entire experience a positive one for both you and you child.