I have heard many parents say that however many times they tell their child about basic safety, say for crossing the road or swinging from bars, they just don’t seem to take it in. Well, I have a little explanation that might help every parent before disaster strikes, as it did to one parent I saw posting recently.
When you go to cross the road, what are you aware of? You may have a little voice in your head saying “look out for the lorry”, or “I need to check what is coming”, or “let’s wait for the traffic lights to change” or “stop”. These and more are all possibilities that come from your own internal dialogue; that is a little voice in your head that tries to keep you safe. Start noticing your own internal dialogue, it will pop up regularly to give you warnings about all sorts of things. Now, what happens if you are in a panic? You are late for the bus or school? You are busy thinking about something else or listening to something on your phone? Everything has been going wrong this morning and you are scared about a test in school?
Are you listening to that little voice in your head that is trying to keep you safe? Are there too many thoughts going on in your head to listen to a little voice? Psychologists say it is easier to hear that little voice when looking down. It is certainly easier to be aware of this little voice when you are calm and fully grounded in your body; that is where everything works better. So stop for a second, breathe out slowly, and try listening to your own inner wisdom. When you are listening try teaching your children to listen to their own wisdom.
My condolences go to anyone involved in an accident of any kind and I can only trust that this message and increased understanding might keep a few more of our beloved children safe.
Olivehickmott 