How to Protect Your Kids (and Yourself) This Holiday Season
Hi there, and thanks for joining us again. We know this isn’t the kind of topic most parents want to think about—especially around the holidays. Parenting is already hard enough without adding scary possibilities to your mental load. But the truth is, keeping our kids safe means being prepared, no matter the season.
As we said in our last post, one of the worst things that could happen—besides your child being hurt—is someone blaming you for “letting it happen.” So how can you lower the risk of that happening this holiday season? Let’s take a look.
Know before you go
There’s a lot to be said for doing your homework before showing up at a holiday gathering. If you know ahead of time who’s going to be there, you can decide whether or not the environment is safe for your kids. For example, if you know that one of the guests has a history as a registered sex offender, you may decide it’s best to sit that gathering out—or be extra vigilant.
If you’re unsure, you can always run the names of attendees through the Michigan State Police Sex Offender Registry. It’s publicly available and searchable online. And if you get to a gathering and see unfamiliar faces, there’s nothing wrong with politely getting names and doing a quick search on your phone. Better safe than sorry.
Talk to your kids (if they’re old enough) and stay alert
Before heading to a holiday event, it’s smart to have a quick, age-appropriate conversation with your kids. Remind younger ones about body boundaries and that it’s okay to say “no” or to come find you if they feel uncomfortable. Let older kids know you’re available and willing to listen if something doesn’t feel right.
During the event, check in on the kids often—especially if they’re in another room or playing with other adults around. Pay attention to adults who seem overly interested in children or who separate themselves with one child for long periods of time. These could be red flags.
Trust your instincts
Parents know their kids. And most of us have that gut feeling when something isn’t quite right. If someone at the gathering gives you a bad feeling, don’t brush it off. If one of your kids tells you they feel uncomfortable around someone, take it seriously. Your child’s safety is more important than being polite.
If the crowd feels overwhelming or you just can’t keep an eye on everything happening, there’s no shame in leaving early. If you need an excuse, say you’re not feeling well. You’re not obligated to explain your decision to anyone if you believe your child could be at risk.
Don’t let someone else’s actions destroy your family’s future
Nothing is more devastating than learning your child has been harmed. But what can make it even worse is being blamed for not preventing it. In Michigan, parents can be charged with failure to protect, a serious offense that can result in criminal charges, CPS involvement, or even the loss of custody.
If law enforcement or CPS accuses you of neglect or failing to protect your child, you need experienced legal help immediately. At The Kronzek Firm, our child abuse and neglect defense attorneys have spent decades fighting for Michigan parents against false allegations and aggressive CPS tactics.
Call us at 866-766-5245 anytime, day or night. We’re available 24/7 to protect your rights and your family’s future.