The Family Advocacy Outreach Program on Bolling warns that there has been an increase in incidents of children left unattended in cars. Often, it can be when caretakers are running into the clinic to pick up prescriptions or at the ATM machines. There have been an increasing number of calls to base security recently, alerting them to the situation.
The Bolling Youth Supervision Policy states that newborn through age 6 may not be left in a car unattended. Children 7 through 9 may be left, except in hot weather with keys removed and the hand brake applied. There is a five minute maximum time limit in hot weather and an adult must be within sight. Children age 10 through 11 can be left for the same amount of time, with keys removed and the hand brake applied. Children 12 through 18 may be left alone in the car.
Remember that teens may not always need adult supervision. Tell them what rules you expect them to follow. As we approach the business of spring and summer family activities, please remember to ensure that activities are age appropriate and safe. Military Onesource is a great resource for families regarding various parenting information. Families can call 800-342-9647 or visit www.militaryonesource. com.
Bolling acknowledges each of us have a role in ensuring children are protected on the installation. If you have a concern that a child has been left unattended, please contact the base emergency number at 202-433-3333. If you have left a child unattended in your car, please know base security could be contacted.
Here is some advice that children want their parents to know – if they only listen.
‘‘I don’t think my parents should make me wear a sweater when they’re cold.”
‘‘Parents should not drink because it can give us kids a bad reputation.”
‘‘When I give you a hug, give me two hugs back.”
‘‘When my mom or dad spends time with me I’m the most specialist person in the world and they feel the same way.”
‘‘Don’t tell me to stop yelling by yelling.”
‘‘Don’t punish me if you also break the same rule.”
‘‘Let me ground you when you fight.”
‘‘Parents should also stop saying they’re on diets while they’re eating junk food.”
‘‘Don’t try so hard to be perfect. Parents don’t seem to understand that kids know when their mom or dad has a bad day.”
‘‘Remember – I am a kid. Kids aren’t perfect and they make mistakes. That is what growing up is all about.”
‘‘Love me if you have the time!”
The Family Advocacy Outreach Program would like to add one more. ‘‘Don’t leave me in the car by myself!”
Imagine the fear if your child was not there upon returning. Telling children you will be back in a minute can feel like you have been gone forever. Children are curious and could remove child safety restraints, manipulate doors and windows, and possible start or put the automobile in gear.
Parenting is the only universal occupation in which one does not train. Parents get no map for the journey. The purpose of parenting is to protect our children so they can survive and thrive into adulthood. Children are precious gifts and teach us what we do not know.
For questions regarding Bolling child supervision guidelines, contact Kay Higgs-Adams, Bolling Family Advocacy Outreach Program manager at 202-767-1339 or DSN 94-297-1339. Adams can also assist parents of children and teens on various parenting topics.
The Family Advocacy office is located in the Bolling main clinic, Building 1300, 238 Brookley Ave., 2nd floor, Office Number 259.
(Information provided courtesy of Kay Higgs-Adams, Family Advocacy Office.)
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