Keeping Kids Safe & Supported: Summer Tips Every Parent Should Hear
Summer is well underway—complete with sun-soaked days, shifting schedules, and the ever-present question: “What now?” Even mid-season, many parents are still navigating two major challenges: how to keep their children safe during all the summer adventures, and how to secure dependable childcare while school is out.
In Season 1 of the Parenting Ed-Ventures podcast, host Lara Courtepatte sits down with Nadine Kereliuk, Community Education Lead at the Zebra Centre, to explore both topics in depth. Together, they offer thoughtful, practical advice to help families make the most of the season—without compromising safety, trust, or peace of mind.
Summer Safety: Small Steps, Big Impact
Summer fun often comes with hidden risks. Nadine emphasizes that being proactive—preparing for risks before they arise—is the key to preventing accidents and feeling equipped when challenges do occur. She encourages parents to create safe environments that still allow kids to explore, develop, and learn through play.
Finding Reliable Childcare: Trust, Communication, and Planning
For many families, summer childcare is a patchwork of day camps, babysitters, grandparents, and part-time programs. Nadine shares smart strategies for finding care that’s not only safe but also supportive of your child’s development.
What to Look for in Childcare:
Licensing & Accreditation: Ensure the provider is licensed and complies with provincial or state regulations.
References Matter: Speak to other parents, read reviews, and ask for references directly from the provider.
Meet in Person: Visit the space, ask questions, and observe how the staff interact with children.
Emergency Plans: Understand protocols in place for medical emergencies, behavioural incidents, or weather events.
Mission & Vision: Review the organization’s values and philosophy. Do they align with your family’s?
Supervision Ratio: Consider the number of children per adult. Younger children may require closer supervision, while older kids may benefit from more independence.
Policies & Procedures: How are accidents and behavioural issues handled? What gets disclosed to parents, and how are those decisions made?
Participants: Look at who else will be there. What are the age ranges, developmental stages, and group dynamics?
Your Gut Counts: “Parents know best,” Nadine reminds us. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to walk away.
Asking Your Child the Right Questions
When your child comes home after their first day in a new summer program, it’s tempting to ask a hundred questions all at once. But effective communication requires patience and strategy. Nadine recommends a progressive approach:
Ease into it: Start with simple, open-ended questions:
“Did you have fun?” “Did you make new friends?” “Are you excited to go back?”
Follow up: Dig deeper based on their responses:
“What made it fun?” “Tell me about your new friends—what are they like?”
Careful Confrontation: Gently ask about any challenges:
“Was there anything that made you uncomfortable?” “Did you notice any conflicts today?”
Plan and Prepare: If your child shares something concerning, explore how they handled it—and brainstorm what they might do next time. Even if nothing happened, it’s helpful to talk through what if scenarios to build confidence and emotional preparedness.
Looking forward: Ask them what they’re excited about for the next day, or how they might make it even better.
Looking inward: Younger children are naturally honest and curious. If you listen with care, they’ll often share what matters most. During these early conversations, validate their feelings and show genuine interest. This builds trust and sets the tone for ongoing communication throughout the summer.
Why This Conversation Matters
Nadine’s insights, shaped by years of community education and child safety advocacy, remind us that safety and trust go hand in hand. Whether you’re preparing for long beach days or selecting summer childcare, her advice empowers parents to make confident, informed decisions.
Listen to the Full Episode Summer Safety and Finding Reliable Childcare with Nadine Kereliuk
Catch the full conversation on Parenting Ed-Ventures to hear more about:
Managing parental stress during summer transitions
Teaching children safety rules
Building positive relationships with caregivers
Stay updated on new episodes and parenting tips—follow us on Instagram
