All kids should learn certain basics beginning  in preschool, including their phone number, address and how and when to call 911. But will your child know what to do in an emergency? Yes, when you help him learn to problem-solve and think through situations logically. “Many parents overprotect their kids, making them less safe, even though on the surface you think you’re protecting them,” says Brad Smart, PhD, a coauthor of Smart Parenting: How to Raise Happy, Can-Do Kids. “It’s an illusion of safety because your kids aren’t streetwise or savvy. It’s better to give them an opportunity to develop those skills.” The solution? Instead of giving the answers, practice age-appropriate emergency scenarios such as these with your child. By encouraging him to think through the options and come up with the best solution, “not only will he be better prepared in an emergency, he’ll be a more self-confident, successful person,” says Dr. Smart—and a lot safer, too.

Ages 3 and up

Try surprise drills. “Okay, kids, pretend there’s smoke and fire in the house. What should we do?” Brainstorm about getting out of the house, calling 911, meeting at a safe location nearby and so on.

School-age kids

Help them find their way. “You’re out on your bike with a friend and you get lost. How are you going to get home?” Or as an alternative, your child and his friend are in the car and you say: “We’re going to McDonald’s, but you have to tell me how to get there. Should I take a right or a left here?”

Teens

Consider sudden scenarios. “You’re home alone or babysitting a neighbor’s child and you hear someone break into the door downstairs. What should you do?” Or “You’re out at a party and discover that the friend who drove you to the party is drinking. What should you do?”