When it comes to the safety of your child, you are, understandably, concerned about his physical well-being. You make sure he wears a helmet and looks both ways before crossing the street. You make sure he doesn't talk to strangers. But chances are your child is concerned about much different things - it's that suspicious vegetable or new school that makes him anxious.

Like most aspects of parenthood, helping your child feel secure is probably more complicated than you expected it to be. Use these six tips to give your child a safe, comfortable environment where he can flourish.

1. First things first: create a safe home

Your child's sense of well-being is founded on physical safety, and that starts at home, so it's critical that you teach your child the fundamentals of home safety. This includes teaching him how to escape from the home in the event of an emergency. You may also want to identify a "safe house" in the neighborhood that your child can go to if he needs help. If you have a monitored home security system, make sure your child knows how to use it.

Takeaway Tip

After you've established emergency escape plans for your home, conducting a few practice drills will help your child feel less anxious. If you have a security system, explaining to your child how it helps protect him from intruders or fire dangers may help ease his mind - especially if he spends time home alone.

2. Institute routines that help your child feel secure

Just like adults, kids fear the unknown. Instituting routines helps your child know what to expect. This helps him develop a sense of control over his life, alleviates anxiety and builds confidence. If your family isn't accustomed to routines, implement them slowly and start small. For example, sit down with your child and develop a simple morning schedule.

Takeaway Tip

Post your morning schedule on the refrigerator and use positive reinforcement to encourage it. Before long, your child will enjoy a sense of accomplishment and control that helps him feel more secure.

3. Establish expectations that encourage responsibility

Establishing rules and expectations helps children develop a sense of responsibility over their lives, giving them a sense of security. Likewise, kids (and adults) living in chaotic homes where rules aren't enforced often feel frazzled, powerless and insecure. Even very young children can be taught the basics of keeping the house organized and abiding by rules. Call a family meeting and encourage everyone to help establish basic household rules.

Takeaway Tip

After following the rules for a month or so, reconvene and ask your child his thoughts about which rules and expectations are working and which aren't. Amend your household rules if necessary.

4. Make time to bond and reinforce your love

As a parent, you're constantly trying to balance a wealth of demands. Between working, running to the grocery store and helping with homework, it can feel like there's little time left for bonding with your child. But your warmth and positive one-on-one attention will help your child feel safe and secure, and it will lay the foundation for open communication.

Takeaway Tip

How you bond with your child depends on his age and personality. Your toddler may enjoy an impromptu book reading or just cuddling and singing songs. But you might have to schedule a time to sit down and chat with your tween or teen. Either way, it's important to make quality one-on-one time happen.

5. Discover your child's fears by asking questions

Asking your child questions can help you gain insight into what makes him afraid as well as what makes him feel safe. His answers can also tip you off to potential problems (e.g. bullying, etc.). Older kids might not be as open about their feelings as younger children, so ask pointed questions. For example, instead of the typical "How was your day?" ask "What was the coolest thing that happened today?" Get creative when you ask questions to your elementary aged kids. Replace humdrum questions with fun ones like "Who did you play with on the playground?"

Takeaway Tip

No matter what age your child is, give him your full attention and use phrases like "Go on," or "What do you think about that?" to encourage your child to open up.

6. Identify what comforts your child

Your 16-year-old may be going on 20, but there are still things that make him feel warm, comfortable and emotionally secure. He no longer wants a pacifier, but he might like listening to music, enjoying time with a family friend or eating homemade cookies. Take the time to learn what makes him feel good and help incorporate those things into his daily routine.

Takeaway Tip

The things that make your child feel at ease changes as he grows and develops. Stay in the loop and you'll be better prepared to comfort him during challenging times.

Nothing beats spending time with your children and giving them a loving home to help them feel secure in their daily lives. As for parents, there are a variety of resources that can help give you peace of mind when it comes to your child's safety. Refer to the following resources when you need to know that your kids are staying safe:

• SafeKids Home Safety Guide
• Household Safety Checklists for Parents
• Internet Safety Center for Parents, Teachers, Kids, and Teens
• Social Media Tips for Kids - Teach Your Kids to Avoid Social Media Nightmares
• Helping Kids Cope in the Aftermath of a Burglary

The post What feeling safe ‘really’ means to your kids appeared first on FamilyToday.

1. Notify law enforcement

The moment you discover your home was burglarized, go to a safe place, like a neighbor's house. Once you and your family are safe, call the police. Do not enter your home until police give you the OK, or you may inadvertently destroy evidence or put yourself in harm's way.

After notifying police, make your neighbors aware your home has been burglarized. You'll not only rest easier knowing your neighbors are keeping an extra eye out for suspicious activity, you might also discover information that helps capture the criminal.

2. Repair damage

Sometimes a burglar will break a door or window to get inside your home and will ransack your belongings while looking for valuables. For security and emotional reasons, it's important you have damage repaired as soon as possible. Then put your home back in order to help restore a sense of normalcy.

3. Get a monitored home security system

Unfortunately, it isn't uncommon for burglars to break into your home again once they think you've replaced your valuables. However, if you install a monitored home security system, there's a good chance he won't come back for round two. In fact, homes outfitted with monitored home security systems are up to 300 times less likely to be burglarized than those that aren't. A security system can also give your family members the peace of mind they need to feel secure again in their home, which will help them recover. To learn more about the real value of home security monitoring, read "Why Real People Are Willing to Invest in Home Security."

4. Don't give into fear

It's natural for your family to feel afraid after this traumatic event, but you can't let fear control you. Instead, take a proactive approach to regaining a sense of security. Enroll your family in a self-defense class, introduce them to the law enforcement officer who patrols your area, or organize a Neighborhood Watch program.

5. Find out what crime is happening in your community

Find out what crime is occurring in and around your neighborhood by using a crime mapping website such as CrimeReports. Enter your address and the website will show you what crimes have been reported in your area, the date they were reported and even the time of day. CrimeReports also lets you sign up for crime alerts, so you can stay in the loop about what crime is taking place in your community.

6. Acknowledge your feelings

Shock, anger, denial and sadness are just a few of the common emotions burglary victims experience. Coming to terms with these feelings is a big step forward in the healing process, whether that involves talking to friends, meeting with clergy members, holding family chats or even seeking professional help.

You need to take care of yourself before you can help your family, but be on the lookout for signs of your family members having a hard time dealing with negative emotions, as well. For example, your potty-trained child may start to wet his bed, the dog may cower at strangers and your spouse may become distant.

7. Get back on schedule

It will take courage and determination, but getting back to your regular routine will help you move past this horrific event. Return to work, make plans to go out with friends, host a dinner party, or plan a special family event. Make sure your kids attend their extracurricular activities, abide by established bedtimes, and enjoy playdates. In short, do your best to conduct life like "business as usual" and eventually it will feel that way.

While it might be hard to believe right now, you can recover from a burglary. Following these tips and allowing time to pass will help you through the process and enable you and your family to enjoy life once again.

The post 7 tips to help you recover in the aftermath of a burglary appeared first on FamilyToday.