A mum-of-three and former teacher has revealed a big mistake that so many parents make when it comes to supervising their children on days out.
When you are out and about with kids, it is important to keep eyes on them at all times, especially if you are in an unfamiliar place. It takes just seconds for a child to get lost, even a child that you think is ‘old enough to know better’.
Susie Allison, a mum and educator, has shared a hack that she uses when out with her children, and one supervision mistake so many people make. Taking to her Instagram page, Susie, who has a Master’s in Early Childhood Education, said: ‘The biggest supervision mistake I see isn’t looking away, it’s assuming someone else is watching [your child].’
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Pilot safety tip helps avoid dangerous mistake
To prevent this mistake, Susie urges parents to use a ‘cockpit safety measure’ that her husband, who is a former airline pilot, introduced to her and it ‘works wonders’.
‘Please use this tip,’ she told parents.
She explained the tip, writing: ‘Thirteen years ago, my husband (a former airline pilot) brought this system into our family – and we’ve never looked back.
‘When airline pilots need to switch control in the cockpit, the pilot currently in control says: “Your aeroplane.” The other pilot must respond: “My aeroplane.”’ ‘This is exactly what we do with our kids, especially around pools, beaches, or busy playgrounds.’
She says that this ‘verbal exchange’ ensures both parties are aware of the ‘transfer of responsibility’.
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When one of the parents needs to ‘hand off supervision,’ they say: ‘Your [insert kid’s name]’ and the other parent waits for the reply: ‘My [insert kid’s name].’
‘That verbal acknowledgement creates a clear, confirmed shift in supervision. It works. We use it with each other and any time we are with another adult.’
They never just assume someone is watching their child or that their kids are being supervised.
This is especially important in the summer when a whole bunch of adults may be watching children at an activity.
‘Stop guessing who’s watching the kids – and start knowing.
‘Share this tip – help your friends keep their kids safe too,’ the mum finished.
