Safety Of Children When You Are Partying
It is estimated that 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused before the age of 16. As much as 90% of this abuse will be by someone they know. As caregivers and parents, we are always trying our best to keep children safe. This information is meant to help you understand how to keep kids safer while adults are partying.
When parents/caregivers are partying, ideally, children are being cared for by a trusted babysitter (see tip sheet 'Safer Babysitting').
If children are with you while you are partying, there are some things that you can do to ensure they are as safe as possible.
Have safe, sober adults you trust, look after them
Have a safe place for kids
Ensure that:
Parents / Caregivers are connected with the kids
When checking in on the kids:
Check in afterwards and the next day. Ask open questions like ‘How was the party for you?’ and ‘what was a good thing that happened at the party, and what was something that made you feel not good?’.
When parents/caregivers are partying, ideally, children are being cared for by a trusted babysitter (see tip sheet 'Safer Babysitting').
If children are with you while you are partying, there are some things that you can do to ensure they are as safe as possible.
Have safe, sober adults you trust, look after them
- Checking in from `time to time’ to make sure everything`s going OK.
- Create a plan with your kids if they ever feel unsafe, and encourage them to listen to their own gut feeling. Let them know that their safety is more important than your own partying, and that you will help if they need it.
- Set clear rules for the person minding your kids. Make sure they know it`s never OK for them to force your children to sit on their lap, make kids cuddle or tickle them if they don’t want it. Make sure adults know that if the child asks them to stop (tickling, play fighting, cuddles or touching of any kind) then they should stop whatever they are doing immediately.
Have a safe place for kids
Ensure that:
- No drunk people are in the kid’s space and that it is drug and alcohol free.
- The kids know where the ‘kids’ space’ is, where you will be, and what is going to happen at the party.
- The kid`s needs are provided for (e.g. bedding, food, entertainment).
- The kids are protected from seeing and hearing violence.
Parents / Caregivers are connected with the kids
When checking in on the kids:
- See through the kids’ eyes and imagine how the party might be going for them.
- Listen to and take kids’ concerns seriously. If they say they don’t feel OK, do something to help.
Check in afterwards and the next day. Ask open questions like ‘How was the party for you?’ and ‘what was a good thing that happened at the party, and what was something that made you feel not good?’.
