The Big Answer

To link to this article from your blog or webpage, copy and paste the url below into your blog or homepage.

Hart advocates creating a safe home environment for the safety, security mental health and happiness of your kids. It includes not just the house but the neighborhood as well. She encourages knowing your neighbors, and telling your kids which ones you trust that they can go to if you’re not at home. She also supports introducing your friends to your kids and making sure they have friends of their own. Isolated, disconnected people are intrinsically less safe than connected ones. Friends and acquaintances tend to look out for each other.

Protect kids from inappropriate material on TV and the internet. Setting limits is an important task that parents should take seriously. Teach kids that they need to know how to say “no” about certain things.

Kids and parents both have the right to privacy—everyone should knock and get permission before entering someone else’s room.

As always, Hart is right on target.