safety

June 28, 2016 by Tricia Goyer 1 Comment

MyCarDoesWhat.org | A FUN way to teach your child about car safety features!

MyCarDoesWhat.org

A FUN way to teach your child about car safety features!

“We downloaded Dashboard Blitz, an app on car safety features and my 6-year-old and I had a blast playing it!” This isn’t a phrase I ever thought would cross my lips, but it did. And it’s true.

I’ve been thinking a lot about automobile safety ever since my 16-year-old daughter attended driver’s education. In Arkansas, where we live, driver’s education is not required, but in the Goyer household it is! I want my children to be as prepared as they can be before getting their driver’s license and heading out on the road.

I started talking to Maria about driver’s safety and care safety features as the days ticked down to when the training would start, but I never thought about preparing my kids even before that. What a concept!

Driving Safety 101

The world of driving safety is changing rapidly. New car safety technologies are being added to cars faster than any earlier generation. Even features that have been around for years are getting smarter. But how do these safety features work? When should they be used? How can they help me?

MyCarDoesWhat.org helps drivers answer these questions. MyCarDoesWhat is a national campaign to help educate drivers on new vehicle safety technologies designed to help prevent crashes.

The campaign’s website, MyCarDoesWhat.org, includes educational videos and other information about a variety of safety technologies including back-up cameras, blind spot monitoring systems, forward collision alerting and other systems that help drivers avoid or reduce the severity of a crash.

Fun Game!

Honestly isn’t not a huge priority for me to sit down and teach about car safety technologies. As a mom of ten kids I just don’t have time. (Who does?) That’s why this game is so GENIUS! I mean what kids doesn’t want to try out a new game?

Dashboard Blitz is an Android and IOS app. You can find out more info here. I started playing it with my 6 year old and we played together. Then, my 11 year old wanted to try it out. She’s asked to play it again many times!

Here’s how the game works:

You’ve been tasked to run the world’s most advanced auto expo. Here, visitors can try out simulators with the latest in car safety technology – from blind spot monitors to back-up cameras and more.

Along the way, you’ll score sweet upgrades, new safety features and rise to the top of the auto expo circuit!

Play the game on iOS devices
Play the game on Android

The best part of the game is the knowledge that it gives kids about car safety features. When we are in the car they are more aware of the safety technology. “Mom, that’s your back up camera, cool!” and “Did you just use your anti-lock brakes when you stopped?”

In addition to knowledge they gleaned my kids really had fun with it. They were able to touch and move the objects and scroll through the screen. The game increases difficulty with each level and they gain points, buy upgrades and had to move quickly to keep up.

What are you waiting for?

Download the game and have your kids try it out! Not only is it fun they’ll learn a lot, too! And the sooner they start learning the safer they will be when they finally get on the road … which is something every parent wants!

New car safety game for kids & adults alike! Play #DashboardBlitz today http://vrl.ht/iOSBlitz

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Read full privacy policy here.

May 26, 2016 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Rules for Outings: The ABCs of Safety and Manners {+ FREE printable}

One of the biggest mistakes I’ve made as a mom was to expect what I haven’t taught. I’d take my kids out and expect them to know not to ask the lady sitting next to us at the park for part of her lunch. Or expect them to know that they shouldn’t run and scream in a store or touch in an art museum. How WOULD my kids know that if I didn’t teach them? The teaching and training is part of being a parent.

One of the biggest successes I’ve had as a parent is when I’ve prepared my kids for what’s to come. I’ve given them “rules of conduct”–not to be a dictator, but instead for the sake of safety and manners.

Keep your kids safe during outings! Follow @TriciaGoyer’s ABCs of safety & manners

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These aren’t rules to be shared one time and forgotten. Instead, they are ones that should be read through often as reminders. (In the beginning you might want to read over them every time that you go out.) Knowing these rules will prepare your children so they’ll be able to enjoy the day and have fun … and so will you!

I’ve included a printable for you to print, use, post, and share. May all your summer outings be less stressful and more safe because of it!

Rules for Outings

Ask permission from your parent before you leave the group.
Be respectful and polite. “Please” and “Thank You” never go out of style.
Consider others before yourself. Take turns.
Do put garbage in a trash can. Leave the place as you find it … or better!
Everyone will be fed. If you are hungry or thirsty let us know. Don’t ask other people for their food. Don’t accept food or offer food to others without permission.
Fighting is for boxers in the ring. Treat others as you want to be treated.
Go slow. When inside only walk, unless you have permission to run.
Hold open doors for those following you.
If you can’t see me, I can’t see you. Get to where you can see me!
Joking and playing is not always appropriate. Consider the place and situation.
Keep your hands to yourself. In museums, and other special places, you often have to look only with your eyes, not your hands.
Look and wait if you’re lost. If you get separated from the group ask someone who works there for help and stay put.
Make peace not war. Respect your siblings’ private spaces and don’t irritate them.
Never be alone with a stranger, even if they appear friendly.
Obey your parents the very first time. Say “Yes, mom” or “Yes, dad” to show you heard them.
Partner up. Always stick with your buddy.
Quietly listen. If someone is talking, wait to ask your questions.
Respond to others when asked a question.
STOP is the most important word, especially outside. When an adult says that, you do it, and ask questions later.
Try something new. Embrace the opportunity.
Use inside voices when inside.
Volunteer to help when you see a need.
Watch your gawking. Don’t stare, even if they stared first.
X-pect to carry your own things. If you bring it, you carry it.
You should go to the bathroom before we leave. Don’t wait until the last minute. Let us know when you have to go.
Zero complaining. Smile and have fun!

Download the printable here!

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June 9, 2015 by Tricia Goyer 4 Comments

Rules for Outings: The ABCs of Safety and Manners

One of the biggest mistakes I’ve made as a mom was to expect what I haven’t taught. I’d take my kids out and expect them to know not to ask the lady sitting next to us at the park for part of her lunch. Or expect them to know that they shouldn’t run and scream in a store or touch in an art museum. How WOULD my kids know that if I didn’t teach them? The teaching and training is part of being a parent.

I’ve included a printable for you to print, use, post, and share. May all your summer outings be less stressful and more safe because of it!

Rules for Outings

Ask permission from your parent before you leave the group.
Be respectful and polite. “Please” and “Thank You” never go out of style.
Consider others before yourself. Take turns.
Do put garbage in a trash can. Leave the place as you find it … or better!
Everyone will be fed. If you are hungry or thirsty let us know. Don’t ask other people for their food. Don’t accept food or offer food to others without permission.
Fighting is for boxers in the ring. Treat others as you want to be treated.
Go slow. When inside only walk, unless you have permission to run.
Hold open doors for those following you.
If you can’t see me, I can’t see you. Get to where you can see me!
Joking and playing is not always appropriate. Consider the place and situation.
Keep your hands to yourself. In museums, and other special places, you often have to look only with your eyes, not your hands.
Look and wait if you’re lost. If you get separated from the group ask someone who works there for help and stay put.
Make peace not war. Respect your siblings’ private spaces and don’t irritate them.
Never be alone with a stranger, even if they appear friendly.
Obey your parents the very first time. Say “Yes, mom” or “Yes, dad” to show you heard them.
Partner up. Always stick with your buddy.
Quietly listen. If someone is talking, wait to ask your questions.
Respond to others when asked a question.
STOP is the most important word, especially outside. When an adult says that, you do it, and ask questions later.
Try something new. Embrace the opportunity.
Use inside voices when inside.
Volunteer to help when you see a need.
Watch your gawking. Don’t stare, even if they stared first.
X-pect to carry your own things. If you bring it, you carry it.
You should go to the bathroom before we leave. Don’t wait until the last minute. Let us know when you have to go.
Zero complaining. Smile and have fun!

Download the printable here!

Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.

February 6, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 2 Comments

We Need to Protect the Innocence of Children, Not Twist It

It’s hard keeping our children protected and safe, and as parents we often feel violated when their “safe” places are compromised.

Some Long Island parents are upset because an adult party was held at a child’s play center—a “pajama party” where the pjs were optional! Adults were invited via Meetup.com to Krazy Kids, where the party was titled “Jungle Gym & Pajama All-Night Dance Party: For Grown Ups Who Won’t Grow Up.” (Does this issue weigh on you? Be sure to tune into Nancy Grace tonight for more about the issue.)

The last line of the advertisement frustrates me: “Grown Ups Who Won’t Grow Up.” It is clear that age doesn’t bring maturity, but adults can’t—and shouldn’t—stay kids forever.

As a mom of six kids (with three little ones under the age of seven), all types of warning signs also go up:

1. Sanitary concerns. (The establishment says it is handling this.) Yes, I know that kids are snotty and messy, but the antics of naked adults are another matter. Ick!

2. Safety concerns. This party just transformed a children’s area into a “comfortable zone” for questionable adults. Best-case scenario was that the party goers were just immature, but there is the question of child predators who now see this place as a comfortable zone. I don’t want my children’s “safe” places compromised.

As moms, we need to stand up for our children’s safety and innocence. @TriciaGoyer @NancyGraceHLN

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3. Decision-making concerns. I want to know that the people who are making decisions about my children’s safety are making wise decisions for my kids’ best interest! There are plenty of ways to make money: safe, clean teen events, dances, moms’ night out babysitting. The slogan of Krazy Kids is “Healthy Open Play Every Day,” and every decision should be weighed against what is beneficial for their key customers.

4. Moral concerns. My moral concerns go far beyond this Krazy Kids playground. What bothers me the most is that when adults try to twist wholesome attributes into unwholesome actions. There is nothing as beautiful as children at play. Children reflect the glory of God, and adults are now trying to twist that for fun, fantasy, and profit. Our culture tries to sexualize children, and now sexual adults are trying to mimic them . . . in their previously safe places.

My hope is the Krazy Kids and other establishments that are “for the kids” will do what they can to protect their safety, their play, and their innocence.

Did you hear the good news? My book The Swiss Courier (that I co-wrote with Mike Yorkey) is on sale! My new book Balanced is available now via Amazon and Barnes & Noble for only $2.99 (digital only)!

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