Regarding School....

Bike riding to school should be reserved for children in 4th grade or older. Ask them to tell you the safety rules and laws. Remind your child that all traffic laws apply! If your child walks to school, they are to obey the student crossing guards while using crosswalks.

Regardless of a child's age, NO CHILD SHOULD ACCEPT A RIDE FROM STRANGERS! Younger children should have a code word that only you and your child know. If a stranger doesn't know the word, then your child should leave immediately and go to a trusted adult for help.

When talking with your child, be interested. Avoid watching television or reading a newspaper during this valuable time.
Did you know a nutritional lunch helps your child learn? This also includes breakfast.

Work together on homework. You just might learn something together.
Take a break, you deserve it. Not only does your child need a break during the evening, but having him or her go to bed at a respectable hour will give you your needed break.

Regarding Home....

Just like at school, practice a fire and tornado drill at home. Have a designated meeting place for both drills. This will ease the panic while accounting for all family members.
Telephone safety is a must! Younger children should know who they can talk with on the phone. Caller ID or an answering machine can help a child. When a child answers the phone and you aren't available, the response should be "My parents are busy and will call you back." Then he or she should get a phone number and/or name and hang up.

Young children should never be left alone, however should it become necessary, be sure doors and first floor windows are locked. Remind your child not to answer the telephone or door. Have emergency numbers posted by the phone or programmed in the telephone.
Spend time with them. It's F-R-E-E!! You'll be glad you did.

Don't give up. Children want boundaries and to know what will happen if they cross them.