09/08/2026
SAFEGUARDING AND EMPOWERING CHILDREN THROUGH INTENTIONAL PARENTING DURING THE HOLIDAY
INTRODUCTION
The holiday season gives children more free time, but it can also expose them to risks that may be less visible during the school term. Intentional parenting means that parents do not simply leave children to “enjoy the holiday,” but deliberately create a safe, supervised and nurturing environment where children can learn, play and grow.
SEVEN WAYS PARENTS CAN SAFEGUARD CHILDREN DURING THE HOLIDAY
1. KNOW WHERE YOUR CHILD IS
i. Know where the child is going, who they are going with and when they are expected back.
ii. Avoid leaving young children unsupervised.
2. TEACH BODY SAFETY
i. Teach children that their bodies belong to them.
ii. Help them understand appropriate and inappropriate touching.
iii. Teach them to say “No,” “Stop,” and “Tell a trusted adult” when they feel unsafe.
3. BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT ONLINE SAFETY:
i. Monitor children's internet use, games and social-media activities.
ii. Teach them not to share personal information, photographs, passwords or their location with strangers online.
iii. Encourage children to tell you when something online makes them uncomfortable.
4. CHOOSE CAREGIVERS CAREFULLY
i. Do not assume that everyone who loves children is automatically safe.
ii. Know the adults who supervise or spend extended time with your children.
iii. Take children's concerns seriously.
5. CREATE OPEN COMMUNICATION
i. Make your home a safe place where children can talk without immediately being judged or punished.
ii. Ask questions such as:
“What was the best part of your day?”
“Did anything make you uncomfortable today?”
“Is there anything you want to tell me?”
6. TEACH SAFETY OUTSIDE THE HOME
i. Discuss road safety, swimming/water safety, fire safety and what to do if they become separated from you.
ii. Teach younger children their parent's/caregiver's name and how to seek help from a safe adult.
7. ESTABLISH HEALTHY ROUTINES
i. Even during holidays, maintain reasonable sleeping, eating, hygiene, learning and recreational routines.
ii. Give children meaningful activities rather than allowing excessive unsupervised screen time.
THE ROLE OF INTENTIONAL PARENTING
Intentional parenting is not about controlling every activity a child engages in. It is about being present, observant, approachable and deliberate.
“Children need freedom to explore, but they also need boundaries that protect them while they explore.”
A Simple Holiday Safeguarding Formula
CONNECT → SUPERVISE → TEACH → LISTEN → RESPOND
i. Connect with your child.
ii. Supervise age-appropriately.
iii. Teach safety skills.
iv. Listen without dismissing concerns.
v. Respond promptly when something seems wrong.
CONCLUSION
A safe holiday is not created by luck. It is created by intentional parents who stay connected, establish boundaries, teach children protective skills and remain alert to potential risks. Our goal should not only be to keep children busy during the holiday but to keep them safe, heard, protected and empowered.