Emergency Numbers

I have my son practice on a play phone and we talk about when he would need to call it. He is 4 now. Also, we practice how to talk loudly and clearly and say our address.

Most police stations will let you come in and will give your daughter a little "lesson" about what to do in case of an emergency. They normally have great teaching tools to give to parents as well to help reinforce the message.

My son always seems to undertstand things better when it is coming from a guy or gal in a police uniform or firefighter uniform.

I practicing it consistently over a long period of time is the key. Then they will automatically know what to do if the time comes.

I started to tech my daughter at about 5 years old, it might have even been around 4 1/2. I would tell her that if mom fell down and could'nt talk then she needed to get mom's cell and call this #. She did understand and we are still working with her on it and she is 5 1/2 now. She knows that if mom is hurt or dad is hurt and we can't talk then she needs to call that # right away and give them your address. She knows her address, phone #, and both mine and my husband full names. So, if anything did happen. We had to work with her because my husband is on the road all week and its just her and I and if something did happen then i wanted her to know what to do. Good luck..

J. F.
Le Mars, Iowa

Hi N.!
Excellent answers here from these moms!! I taught my daughters about 911 at around four years of age...and I am so glad I did!! I, too, taught them to make the call if mommie couldn't talk. When my eldest had just turned four, I fell down some stairs and could barely breath. I had cracked some ribs, but didn't know it. My little lovely asked if I was ok, I could only mutter, "no." Then to my surprise, she asked if she could call 911. I nodded yes and she did just that. Help came and everything turned out alright. What a little trooper! I also put her grandparents on speed dial and taught her how to use that too. That, as well, came in handy. And I LOVE the idea about having an officer talk to her!! What an impact that would make! You're doing great! (And there are NO silly questions! LOL!)

Just Me!
S.

N.,

My children have all learned about 911 around age 3 or so. Just make sure to discuss about the police, fire truck, or ambulance. My son has called 911 twice no after learning about it at preschool however, his younger sister and two older brothers did not call for curiosity.

They learn a song:
911 for an Emergency

Best of luck with things. Congradulation on becoming a sahm and for addition to the family.

A.

I'd start teaching her about 911 at 4 yrs. of age.