Holiday Safety Tips for Parents and Caregivers

The holidays bring busy schedules, gatherings, and lots of visitors. While this season is full of joy, it’s also a good time to be extra mindful about children’s safety and well-being. These simple tips can help create a safe, caring environment for kids during holiday events and celebrations.

Respect Consent & Boundaries

Children should never feel pressured to hug, kiss, or take photos if they don’t want to. Teach kids that it’s okay to politely say “no,” and model respectful behavior by always asking before touching or hugging.

Keep Safety Rules the Same

Even during busy gatherings, family safety rules should stay in place. Avoid closed-door situations, make sure children are visible and can be interrupted if needed, and keep an eye on one-on-one time and digital device use.

Safe Adults & Code Words

Help children identify trusted adults they can go to if they feel uncomfortable or worried. Consider choosing a simple family code word that means “I need help” or “I need a break,” and review safe adults before each event.

Secrets vs. Surprises

Teach children the difference between secrets and surprises. Secrets are never okay, especially if an adult asks a child to keep something from their parents or caregivers. Surprises, like gifts, are safe because they don’t last forever.

Helpful Resources

• Darkness to Light – d2l.org

• Center for Child Protection – centerforchildprotection.org

• Monique Burr Foundation – mbfpreventioneducation.org

• Mayo Clinic: Holiday Safety Tips – mayoclinic.org