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Why Make It a Family Craft?
Think about it from a child’s perspective. A plain list of names and numbers handed down might feel impersonal or even a bit alarming. But a colorful list they helped create? That’s different. Here’s why crafting this list together works so well:- Memory Boost: The physical act of writing, coloring, or placing stickers helps cement the information in their minds. They’re more likely to remember Mom’s number or the neighbor’s name if they’ve actively engaged with it.
- Understanding the ‘Why’: Crafting provides a relaxed setting to talk about *why* these numbers are important and *when* someone might need to call them. You can discuss simple scenarios in an age-appropriate way, focusing on getting help from trusted adults.
- Reduces Fear: Approaching safety preparedness through a creative activity makes it feel proactive and empowering rather than reactive and scary. It’s about knowing who your helpers are.
- Skill Building: Depending on their age, kids can practice writing numbers, reading names, cutting, gluing, and decision-making (like choosing colors or where to put a sticker).
- Ownership: When kids help create something, they feel a sense of pride and ownership. It’s *their* safety list, something they understand and know how to use.
Gathering the Essential Information
Before the glue sticks and crayons come out, you need the core information. Sit down together (if age-appropriate) and decide whose numbers should be on this special list. This is a good time to talk about who your trusted helpers are, both inside and outside the immediate family.Key Contacts to Include:
- Emergency Services (911 or local equivalent): This is usually the most critical number. Make sure your child understands this is for serious emergencies when a grown-up isn’t available to help immediately.
- Parents’/Guardians’ Cell Phones: Include all primary caregivers.
- Parents’/Guardians’ Work Phones: If applicable and reliable for contact during work hours.
- Trusted Neighbors: Choose neighbours you know well and who are often home. Having someone physically close can be incredibly reassuring.
- Nearby Relatives: Grandparents, aunts, uncles, or cousins who live close by and can respond relatively quickly.
- Another Trusted Friend/Family Friend: Someone reliable who doesn’t live far away.
- Pediatrician’s Office Number: Clearly label this for reference, perhaps specifying it’s not for immediate emergencies like 911, but useful if specific health questions arise for a caregiver who might be assisting.
- Poison Control Number: Another important resource to have handy for caregivers or older children.
Double-Check Every Number! Before you start writing, call each number (except 911, of course!) to confirm it’s correct and the person is comfortable being an emergency contact. Ensure you have the most current information. This verification step is crucial for the list to be genuinely helpful.
Let’s Get Crafting: Materials and Ideas
Now for the fun part! Gather your supplies. You don’t need anything fancy, but having a few options makes it more engaging.Suggested Supplies:
- Sturdy Base: Cardstock, construction paper, or even a small whiteboard or laminated sheet work well. Durability is key since it will be handled or referenced.
- Writing Tools: Thick, legible markers (permanent markers if laminating), crayons, colored pencils.
- Decorative Elements: Stickers (letters, numbers, fun shapes!), glitter glue (use sparingly for legibility), stamps, cut-outs from magazines.
- Optional Photos: Small photos of the contacts next to their names can be incredibly helpful, especially for younger children who may not read yet.
- Tools: Scissors (safety scissors for kids), glue stick, ruler (for lines, if desired), hole punch and string/ribbon (if hanging).
Layout Ideas:
- Simple List: Clearly write the name, relationship (e.g., “Grandma Sue,” “Neighbor Mrs. Gable”), and phone number for each contact. Use large, easy-to-read print.
- Picture Power: For pre-readers, pair each contact’s information with their photo or a simple drawing representing them (e.g., a house for a neighbor, a flower for Grandma).
- Color Coding: Assign different colors to different types of contacts (e.g., blue for family, green for neighbors, red for emergency services).
- Shaped Card: Cut the cardstock into a fun shape like a house, a phone, or a heart before adding the information.
- Sectioned List: Use lines or boxes to clearly separate each contact’s information.
Writing and Discussing
This is where direct involvement shines. Adapt your approach based on your child’s age and writing ability.Age-Appropriate Involvement:
- Younger Children (Ages 3-5): Focus on recognition. They can point to photos, dictate numbers they know (like Mom’s), help choose sticker placement, and color around the written information. You will do the primary writing, saying the names and numbers aloud as you go. Use this time to point to pictures and say, “If you need help and can’t find Mommy, you could call Grandma. Here is her picture and number.”
- Early Elementary (Ages 6-8): Encourage them to write numbers they know or even try writing the names (or tracing over your writing). They can certainly read the numbers back to you. They can take more ownership of the decoration and layout. Talk more specifically, but simply, about *when* to call – e.g., “If you smell smoke,” “If someone is hurt and won’t wake up,” “If you can’t find your grown-up.”
- Older Children (Ages 9+): They can likely write the entire list themselves, improving their handwriting and number skills. Discuss the importance of updating the list and perhaps even making a digital copy for parents’ phones. They can understand more nuanced scenarios for when to call different people on the list versus 911.
Decorate and Personalize!
Once the essential information is clearly written, let the creativity flow! This is where the list truly becomes *theirs*. Encourage your child to:- Add borders using markers, washi tape, or stickers.
- Draw small pictures related to safety or helping (like a friendly police officer, a house, a phone).
- Use favorite colors and stickers.
- Add their name: “Sarah’s Helper List.”
Post It Proudly: Visibility is Key
An emergency contact list is useless if nobody can find it when needed. Placement is critical.High-Visibility Spots:
- Refrigerator Door: This is classic for a reason – it’s usually centrally located and frequently seen by everyone in the household. Use strong magnets.
- Near the Landline Phone: If you still have one, posting the list right beside it makes logical sense.
- Family Command Center/Bulletin Board: If you have a central spot for schedules and important info, add the list there.
- Inside a Kitchen Cabinet Door: Choose one that’s easily accessible, like the one holding snacks or everyday dishes.
Make it Durable:
If your list is made of paper, consider laminating it or slipping it into a clear plastic sheet protector. This protects it from spills, splashes, and general wear and tear, ensuring it remains legible for a long time.Practice and Review
Creating the list is step one; ensuring your child understands how and when to use it is step two. Don’t make it scary, but occasional, calm practice can be beneficial.- Role-Playing: Use simple, non-frightening scenarios. “Okay, pretend Mommy is taking a nap and doesn’t wake up when you call her. Who is the next person on our list we could try?” Walk over to the list together and find the next name/number.
- Number Recognition: Occasionally point to a number on the list and ask, “Whose number is this?” or “Can you find Grandma’s number?”
- Review Locations: Remind them where the list is kept. “Remember our special helper list? Where did we hang it up?”
