The kids are back in school, so hopefully you are getting back into a routine. Yet, you still might be feeling frazzled. With older children comes more issues and 'transitional periods'. Things may be going on at school that you are unaware of, and tension may rise between you and your child. The home is a safe haven where children may act out what really is a by-product of problems at school. August and September, when school is just beginning, is a great time to open up the lines of communication between you and your children, as well as you and their teachers. Also, look for subtle changes that may be hiding a lingering, larger problem. Back to school can be a confusing and scary for kids. As stressed out and tense as YOU may feel, put yourself in their shoes first. Become a support system for them so that they know you will always be there, no matter what.

With the disappearance of little Kyron and so many other children, we felt it was time to write about this. Sadly, no one knows what happened to Kyron but his disappearance has brought up a lot of discussion amongst parents regarding the issues of strangers and abduction. Most of us were brought up with the term “stranger danger” (basically, don’t talk to strangers) which, as we reassess it �" taught us no actual safety skills.

When you drop your child at a friend’s house for a play date, do you ever think to ask the parent if there is a gun in the house? Would your child know what to do if they found or were shown a gun?

After what seems like hundreds of Not Quite Mr. Right's, you have met a great guy. He is compassionate, and kind. He is understanding of the fact that you are a mom, and respects your time with your child. He has met your child, and they seem to both genuinely like one another. Is it safe to let your new boyfriend take care of your son when you aren't around?

My 9 year old daughter is starting third grade in a new school. I hear through the grapevine that the children in the class have been together since first grade. So over the summer I gently coached my daughter about making new friends. I suggested that although she is a newbie herself, she should also reach out to the other new kids in the class. My daughter is a good listener - and she does just that.

Do you assume your child’s camp is safe? Every summer we send our children off to what we think will be a fun and safe camp. Why do we assume the camp we chose for our kids will be safe? Have we asked the appropriate questions that would give us confidence in the camp? Most parents report being more concerned with what activities their children will be experiencing than the camps risk assessment for safety.

I love to eat on the beach. Whether it’s a simple picnic at high noon or cocktails and finger foods watching the sunset, dining al fresco is restorative for me. In Italian, al fresco means “in the fresh.” Translated into English, it means “outdoors,” and preparing a picnic lunch to enjoy outside doesn’t have to involve lots of work. With some thought and planning, it can be easy and fun.

Think you would be able to tell if a molester was using deceptive “grooming techniques” to gain access to your child? In many instances, the red flags can practically be under our noses. Yet often, parents who learn that their child has been victimized will share the same reaction… “I had no idea… He was so nice… He didn’t look like a molester.”

Kids are fascinated by the Web and more and more of them are spending huge amounts of time browsing the Internet. Since 2004, the number of kids online has increased 18 percent, and time spent online among children aged 2-11 increased 63 percent in the last five years, from nearly 7 hours in May 2004 to more than 11 hours online in May 2009. Parental controls are an important part of staying safe online. They should be openly discussed with children so everyone understands exactly how these services work to shield the entire family from Web dangers. Children don't like to feel as if they're being spied upon. Here are a few tips for parents and teachers to keep your kids safe.

This is an easy, practical tip that everyone should listen to. Brooke received this tip in an email and wanted to share it with our community. Spread the word to your family and friends: Put your car keys beside your bed at night.