In this story, Duck finds himself in a difficult situation and Cat learns how she should treat others.
In this story we will identify what is safe and dangerous to eat and drink, and what a child should do if they are ever concerned.
Have a chat with your child to see if any similar situation has happened to them. Discuss any concerns they may have.
Explain to your child:
If there is any doubt about an item’s safety, they should not touch it and talk to a trusted adult.
The only people we should trust to give us anything to eat, or swallow, are our parents/carers or people they say it is ok to trust. Many products that can be dangerous and possibly fatal can look harmless and even quite tasty.
If a doctor or adult we trust gives us medicine and the instructions are followed, then it is safe.
It is very difficult to tell if something is dangerous just by looking at it. Paint can look like milkshake and bleach looks like lemonade and water. A lot of tablets can look like sweets. When in their proper containers it’s easy to tell, but if not, it can be much more difficult.
Tell your child:
Cat is very confused about what is safe and what is dangerous to eat and drink. She learnt that medicine shouldn’t be shared but she still needs some help.
Lots of things look good to eat and drink but are actually very dangerous. We are going to look at 12 different items and decide whether they are safe or dangerous to eat or drink.
Explain to your child:
Adults really shouldn’t give children any alcohol at all. It is advised by the Department of Health that, if the child is under 5 then a parent/carer should NEVER give them alcohol as this can be very dangerous, in fact it is illegal! Some people will often give their child a sip on special occasions so please emphasise this point:
If someone does give you alcohol, remind them you are only young and should only have a very small amount. This should only be on special occasions, as alcohol can be very harmful to children like you.
Emphasise to your child:
If you are offered alcohol by anyone other than parents/carers you should refuse to drink it and should tell your parents/carers immediately.
To understand these rules of how to stay safe around different items, show your child the ‘Staying safe missing words sheet’.
Tell your child:
Friends shouldn’t get other friends to do or say things they don’t want to, friends should be just that, friends!
If anyone ever feels threatened or scared of what someone has done, or wants them to do, they should tell an adult they trust immediately.
In the story Duck didn’t know how to say 'NO' to Cat.
Ask your child:
To come up with some ways to help Duck say 'NO'.
Ask your child for some answers. If they are struggling, help them using some of the ideas below.
Some examples are:
Show your child the 'Duck says missing words ACTIVITY' resource sheet.
Duck mask sheet
If you have a printer, you can print off the 'Duck mask sheet'
Follow the instructions and make sure the adult is careful when cutting the mask out with scissors.
Add some string to the mask and now your child can be Duck!
Take our quiz to see what you have learnt from this story!
If you have any feedback on our story or ideas for future stories we would love to hear about them!
