Parental Supervision

What measures are you taking to keep your child safe? Are you aware of where your children are? Do you let your children go from one end of town to the other without an appropriate age chaperone? You ask what the appropriate age is; in my opinion your child should be at least I would say between fifteen and sixteen years old.

I most recently was riding the bus home and discovered a twelve year boy and his two sisters’, age’s eleven and nine. Once we got to the bus terminal I purposely befriended all three of the children who were all alone without any other teenager or adult present. It really did startle me immensely to see young children practically babies going from one side of town to another. I found out each of their names, where they live, what school they attended, and where they were headed to. The youngest of the three told me they were not to talk to strangers.

I made the comment about what kind of stranger; a good stranger or a bad stranger. Then, I asked her if I was a good stranger or bad one. She told me I was a good stranger. I learned all about their likes, their dislikes, their fish aquarium, their different pet animals, the church they attend, and their extended family members. With the crimes against children, kip-napping, and murders taken place all over the world; it’s a crying shame for a parent to allow their minor children to go across town without any chaperone or teen appropriate age or adult figure present. What if I would have been a child molester; or a felon with crimes against children? I could have easily taken those innocent babies and held them hostage. Let me tell you a little story. In the summer of 2006 I had the pleasure of allowing my daughter to visit Australia. While in Australia did I have access to my daughters’ every move; of course not. Did I know her whereabouts while in Australia; of course I did? I had an itinerary of the scheduled places she visited while touring Australia.

I had parental supervision even while she was away in a foreign country. The point and case I’m making is children should not be left alone without a teen-appropriate or adult supervision being responsible for their actions, even if it’s just across town. Parental supervision should not be being taken lightly, and you should know the whereabouts of your child. Though you may trust your own instinct; that’s well and fine. But it’s the evil world in which we live in, that cannot be trusted. Keep your eyes on your children and know their whereabouts. Have them write you a note, telling you where they are at; or have them give you a call so you know their whereabouts. This is not spying or a matter of not trusting your child; but it’s being a concerned and responsible parent for the welfare of your child or children in your custodial care.

Your child or children are an asset to you and not a liability. Look, Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of your womb is a reward. Psalm 127:3. If you are struggling with your parental rights and responsibilities sign-up to receive tips on life in general and I can help you with your parenting concerns.

Clark A. Thomas, business owner, consultant and author, he discusses practical ways to make life less stressful. Writing articles has helped him become known online, and sell more products online. Join him at his forum http://custodysecretsnow.com/phpBB2/index.php For more information visit http://www.custodysecretsnow.com