Tips for a safe summer 

Summer is here, which means most families are weaving together plans for their kids now school is out. Whether you are searching for a nanny, occasional sitter, or day camps, check out these tips!  

One tip to focus on is listening to your child’s boundaries and communicating those boundaries to other adults. We encourage parents to practice talking with their kids early about consent and boundaries and keeping the lines of communication open. This summer, try incorporating end of day check-ins with your kids, including asking how they felt around their sitter or if they need help telling the camp staff about something. 

Are relatives or neighbors watching your kids this summer? It is important to ensure that all adults involved in your childcare are committed to your kids’ physical and emotional safety. Below are some examples of how to talk with them about your child’s boundaries: 

• "Sarah and I have made an agreement that I will ask her for permission before I apply sunscreen on her back (agreeing that she does need sunscreen). Will you please also practice asking for permission and communicating when you may need to touch her body during situations like this?" 

• "TJ has shown us recently that he can change his clothes on his own now. So, we are now practicing shutting the door so he can do this in private." 

Another great summertime resource we recommend is a checklist compiled by child abuse prevention organization The Mama Bear Effect. Use this list when considering providers, in addition to questions to ask about your summer camp programs.