Holiday Safety Planning

The holidays can be a whirlwind of excitement, but they’re also a great time to reinforce safety with your kids. That’s why I created four quick Instagram reels packed with tips on teaching kids about boundaries, private parts safety, safe and unsafe touch, secrets safety, tricky people, and even how to navigate exit strategies in sticky situations. Not everyone catches every post (or uses Instagram), so I’ve rounded them up here for easy access—because peace of mind is the best gift you can give yourself this season. 🎁

Children need clear, straightforward language to express discomfort or assert boundaries when interacting with adults.

✨The holidays are a magical time—but let’s be real—they can come with their own set of challenges, especially when it comes to keeping our kids safe and comfortable at family get-togethers.

90% of abuse happens by people know and trust, and 30% of that includes family members, while 70% of abuse happens by other minors.

Assuming kids are safe at family gatherings is a symptom of NMK syndrome (#NotMyKid) and it increases the risk of abuse.

Since knowledge is power, this series is all about helping you stay aware, prepared and proactive.

✨ Safety is a gift we give to our kids, and you won’t want to miss what’s coming next! ✨

Remember it’s not your child’s job to prevent abuse.

Teaching kids assertiveness skills takes time and practice and is not meant to put the responsibility on them to stay safe.

Let them know that if they don’t or can’t set a boundary that it’s still never their fault if someone does something unsafe, and they can always come to you for help or to tell after.

Remind them you’ll always have their back and believe them.

General Refusal and Safety Phrases:

“No, I don’t like that. Please don’t do it again.”

“I need to check with my mom/dad first.”

“That makes me uncomfortable.”

“Stop”

Physical Boundaries:

“I don’t like being hugged. How about a high-five.”

“I don’t want to be tickled- stop”

“Put me down please”

Permission and Secrecy:

“I don’t keep secrets from my parents.”

”I need to ask my mom/dad before watching anything”

Reporting Unsafe Situations:

“Mom/Dad, [safety code word] right now”

“Mom/Dad, I feel [code word]”

🛑Boundaries with peers often focus on preventing bullying, coercion, or inappropriate interactions.

Peer Pressure:

“I’m not ok doing that.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. Let’s do something else.”

Inappropriate Physical Contact:

“Stop! That’s not ok.”

“I feel sick and need to puke/go to the bathroom/need mom” (this is an exit strategy)

Digital Boundaries:

“I don’t send pictures like that. It’s not safe.”

“I need to ask my mom/dad before watching anything on your phone/iPad/computer/tv”

💡 Be sure to catch the whole series of this holiday safety plan, and let’s create a joyful and safe season for everyone. Check out Part 2, here!