Question 1

You need to cross the road but your child starts to play up and misbehave – they’re nervous about going to school. Do you:

Question 2

The alarm didn’t go off, the toast burned and your kids are refusing to sit in car seats or booster seats for the drive to school. Do you:

Question 3

Your child cycles to school. They are about to head off without a cycle helmet. Do you:

Question 4

In general, how often do you talk to your children about road safety?

Mostly As

You seem focused on physically controlling your child and that’s probably because you’re just really worried about their safety.You might find that your kids behave more sensibly than you’d expect if you explain why you’re being cautious and give them a bit more leeway in handling road situations.

Top Tip: Help your kids understand how traffic works by involving them in the decisions you make on the roads. Even though you’ll probably be holding their hand until they’re seven, you can start explaining how they should behave with traffic from a very young age.

Mostly Bs

You accept that kids want to go out and explore the world and will sometimes make mistakes.You’re fairly laid-back in this way and maybe you’re pretty busy too.So you’ll be pleased to hear that there are quick and easy ways to help your children learn important road skills.

Top Tip: Pick a time when you’re not in a hurry and take just a few minutes to talk about specific aspects of road safety, like choosing a safe place to cross.Teaching road safety can also be a good way to bond with your kids – for example,many parents enjoy helping their kids learn to ride their bikes safely.

Mostly Cs

Well done:you’ve worked out that teaching road safety to your kids is the best way for them to learn how to handle the roads safely.Parents do shift between different parenting styles, but empowering your child to make road decisions is the most effective way to help keep them safe when they’re out on the road without you.

Top Tip: Keep talking to your kids about road safety, even as they get older.For example, children starting secondary school may find they have a longer and more complex journey to make.It’s worth taking the time to make this trip with your child in advance so that you can plan a safe route together.

Mostly Ds

My guess is you worry a lot. It’s perfectly natural to want to protect your kids but you can’t always be by their side.So try to teach them how to act safely so that they can make the right decisions when you’re not there to look out for them.

Top Tip: Start the learning process early and take things one step at a time.For younger children, remind them to walk on the side of the pavement away from traffic.As they get older,and more experienced, you can ask them to put into practice the Green Cross Code when they’re crossing roads with you.