Children do well when they have very
clearly defined reactions prepared. Even if it means giving them specific words
or phrases to use, make sure that they have a definite course of action in
mind. Rehearse, rehearse, and rehearse. Talking about what to do is helpful,
but nothing will ingrain it in your child’s head like actually doing it.
Practicing how to react is the single most effective way to ensure your child
will react safely if confronted with danger. So make a plan, then practice it.
Practice listening for the smoke detector (test it so they know what it sounds
like), crawling under the smoke to get outside to your meeting place, feeling
the doors, etc. Make it a game, but make sure they know the steps. We had an unexpected fire drill this week and
it couldn’t have gone better. Way to follow directions kiddos!
