BACK TO SCHOOL

It's hard to believe, but it is time for

BACK TO SCHOOL

Bring on the buses, school lunches and homework!

Here are a few tips for making your Back to School season safe and worry-free...

1.  Plan your Route

     Make sure you plan the route your child will take to the bus stop

or to school if they are walking or riding a bike.  Practicing a few times

 before the first day of school will make the first day of school less stressful

for you and your child.

2.  Rules of the Road

     If your child is walking, even if it is just to the bus stop,

make sure they know to walk on the left side of the street facing traffic. 

Talk to them about where to cross the street if necessary and how to safely cross. 

     If you child is riding a bike, make sure they know to ride on the right side

of the street with traffic.  Talk to them about crossing the street with the light

 and watching for turning traffic.  Make sure they have a properly fitted helmet. 

3.  Bus Stop Safety

     Talk you your child about where to wait for the bus, waiting for the bus

to come to a complete stop before approaching it, and making sure

 they are crossing safely in front of the bus if they must cross the street

when getting off the bus. 

4.  Strangers

     Teach your child not to talk to or accept rides from strangers. 

Teach them if anyone approaches them that makes them uncomfortable

to yell loudly something like "This person is trying to take me"

and get away as quickly as possible to tell a trusted adult.  Let you child know

that adults who need help will usually ask another adult, not a child. 

5.  For the Adults

     You may need to leave a few extra minutes for your morning commute

to account for the school buses stopping. Watch for children around buses

or at crosswalks and walking or riding bikes to school. 

Have a safe and happy school year!

For tips about buying or selling Real Estate in Maine,

call Brenda at (207)784-3800 or e-mail brenda@fontaineteam.com.