5 Things to Do Before You Let Your Child Ride the Subway on Their Own!
Is your kid ready to take the subway rides alone? Does she think that she is old enough to be independent but you are afraid? It is natural for parents to worry about their kids’ safety. As they grow up they want to do things on their own such as going to school and they also start asking for privacy, trust and well smartphones!
There are many dangers on the road and they only increase parent’s worries. They can encounter strangers or get a little naughty and decide to explore places they shouldn’t. But at some point, you have to let them grow. So if you have decided that you are going to let them ride alone or with friends make sure you take these steps first:
Teach Independence
Start giving them small independent assignments when they are little. Start from small tasks such as locking the door, setting the table, fastening their seat belts etc. and then increase the level as they grow. Tell them how to do it, tell them you trust them and then see what they do. Don’t forget to appreciate.
Make Them Your Navigator
When riding in the car and subways, ask them to lead the way so they know their way around the roads and train routes as well. It is a great way to learn about their whereabouts and basic rules of public transport. It is another way of letting them feel independent and building their confidence.
See What They Know
Take them for a test ride to check their knowledge. This is for your own benefit. You don’t have to make it a big deal and make them nervous. Just ask them they are in charge and see how they carry out the task. If they have difficulty remembering signs and ways, help them remember through different landmarks around their home and school.
Establish Rules
Before allowing them to go establish some rules of traveling alone. The most important of them include not trusting strangers, not going to places they don’t know about and curfew time of coming back home.
Set penalties for breaking the rules but don’t punish hard. It may affect their confidence and they may not come to you in case of a big problem.
Stay Posted with an App
Even after establishing the rules and checking their know-how, it is better to keep an extra eye on them. You can do this by using a parental control app that provides family locating services. It lets you keep track of them and catch any unusual activity. Consider FamilyTime app which has:
- Location tracking
- Mobile Geofence with check-in/checkout alerts
- Panic alert with current location map
- Pick me up reminders
It is very important that you bestow complete trust in your kids. They need it to grow and prepare them for the life ahead. You may worry a little, but you can get that covered by a parental control app that remotely keeps tabs on them. You don’t have to call them all the time, these apps keep you posted as well. So, get smart and let your teens enjoy growing up.
