“Be careful on the road, honey! Remember to walk on the right side!” – A familiar saying for many parents, but is that enough to protect our beloved children in today’s risky traffic flow?
“Honesty is the best policy,” “Practice makes perfect” – Old proverbs teach us about perseverance and effort. And teaching children traffic safety skills is no exception. Let’s explore the secrets with “SOFT SKILLS” to help your little ones stay safe on every journey!
Why is Teaching Children Traffic Safety Skills Essential?
Enhancing Children’s Safety:
Traffic is always potentially dangerous, especially for children. Statistics from the Institute of Transport and Communications (IT&C) show that thousands of children are involved in traffic accidents each year, leading to tragic consequences. Teaching children traffic safety skills is the most effective way to protect your little ones from lurking dangers.
Developing Essential Life Skills for Children:
Traffic safety skills not only keep children safe but also help them develop essential life skills. Children learn to observe, judge, handle situations, and develop self-confidence, independence, and responsibility for themselves and society.
Effective Tips for Teaching Children Traffic Safety Skills
Start When They Are Young:
“Start them young,” teach children from an early age so that the skills develop naturally. When children are young, you can use games and fun activities to convey basic traffic knowledge.
For example:
- Play “Traffic Police” games with traffic signs to help children become familiar with traffic rules and participation.
- Teach children songs about traffic safety to help them remember important messages.
Lead by Example:
“Children learn by example,” children often learn from those around them, especially their parents. Therefore, set an example for children by always obeying traffic laws, walking on the sidewalk, not using phones while driving, and always reminding your children to remember safety.
For example:
- When walking, hold your child’s hand, walk on the right side of the road, and always remind your child to walk according to the rules.
- When in the car, fasten your child’s seat belt and show them how to use it.
Use Appropriate Methods:
“Learning by doing,” teaching children traffic safety skills also requires a combination of theory and practice.
- Theory: Teach children traffic rules, traffic signs, how to use roads, and how to handle dangerous situations.
- Practice: Let children practice walking, cycling, and riding motorbikes in safe places.
For example:
- Let children practice walking in quiet places with marked crosswalks and clear traffic signs.
- Let children practice cycling in parks or bike paths where there is no traffic.
Be Patient and Persistent:
“Persistence pays off,” teaching children traffic safety skills requires patience and persistence from parents. Be patient in guiding and reminding children, and encourage them to practice to help them form good habits.
For example:
- Spend time each day reviewing traffic knowledge with children and playing traffic safety games.
- Praise children when they obey traffic laws and gently remind them when they make mistakes.
Touching Story About Teaching Children Traffic Safety Skills
Mai is an 8-year-old girl who is always excited when her parents take her out. However, every time they cross the road, Mai’s parents have to be very careful because Mai likes to run and jump and doesn’t pay attention to vehicles.
One day, Mai’s father took the time to teach Mai traffic safety skills, including how to observe, how to walk on the sidewalk, and how to handle dangerous situations. Mai listened attentively and worked hard to practice. Since then, Mai has always been cautious when crossing the road and always remembers her father’s teachings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teaching Children Traffic Safety Skills
How to Help Children Remember Traffic Rules?
- Use illustrations: Use pictures, videos, or games to help children understand and remember traffic rules.
- Create real-life situations: Create simulated traffic situations at home or outdoors for children to practice and remember the rules.
How to Keep Children From Getting Bored When Learning Traffic Safety Skills?
- Use diverse methods: Combine various teaching methods such as games, stories, and practical activities so that children do not feel bored.
- Create excitement for children: Teach children knowledge related to their daily lives and let them practice in a friendly environment.
Advice From Experts
According to Dr. Nguyen Van A, Director of the Center for Traffic Safety Research: “Teaching children traffic safety skills is the responsibility of every family and is an important first step in building a civilized traffic culture. Spend time with your children and give them the necessary knowledge to keep them safe on every journey!”
Conclusion
“The more you travel, the more you learn,” teaching children traffic safety skills is a continuous journey for parents. Be persistent, patient, and use appropriate methods to help your little ones become confident and safe citizens in traffic.
Do you want to learn more about soft skills for children? Contact “SOFT SKILLS” for free consultation.