Tips for kids at home

Many children stay home alone for long periods of time during the summer. Here are some things to teach your children:


1. Provide telephone numbers for your children to reach you. Advise co workers your children may check-in.
2. Teach your children how and when to call 9-1-1.
3. Teach children not to open the door to others with out your permission.
4. Teach children to never let a person at the door or on the phone know that they are home alone.
5. You might consider getting caller ID and screen your calls.
6. If your trusted neighbors will be home during your absence, arrange for your children to check-in with them.
7. Teach children how to escape in case of fire and designate a meeting place.
8. Determine which household appliances you want your children to use.
9. Provide activities and chores for your children to help keep them busy.

Child Abuse Prevention Activities planned

The Pottawatomie County Health Department and the Child Abuse Prevention Taskforce have launched a community public awareness campaign in observance of April being Child Abuse Prevention Month. This year's theme is "It Only Takes a Minute to Make a Difference in the Life of a Child." Child Abuse Prevention Month has been observed each April since the first presidential proclamation in 1985.

Statewide, local Child Abuse Prevention Committees will gather for "Child Abuse Prevention Day" at the State Capitol on Tuesday, April 8, which will feature speakers, booths and an art poster contest recognizing winners grades K-12 from around Oklahoma.

Local Child Abuse Prevention Month activities during April will include "Paint The Town Blue," hosted by the Child Abuse Prevention Taskforce. The event, set for noon on April 4 at the Pottawatomie County Courthouse in Shawnee, will feature kids presentations, guest speakers, balloon release, and bikers riding for prevention.
Taken from the Shawnee news-star

Activities

Celebrate youth by creating a children's parade. We should consider holding a parade to coincide with the coming of spring. Area businesses might be willing to donate refreshments and prizes for it. And we could contact the media.

We could plan recreational activities for adults and youth. Walking, jogging and bicycling programs as well as card and game board groups can be organized by us. Or we could form discussion/book groups.