What this section is about
This is about watching over your child to prevent harm, distress, damage, unsafe behaviour or escalation.
Avoid saying
- They need watching.
- They get into things.
- They are hyper.
Better ways to explain
- My child requires close supervision due to impulsivity and poor danger awareness.
- Without supervision, my child may access unsafe items, leave safe areas or harm themselves accidentally.
- Adult intervention is needed to prevent escalation and maintain safety.
Example wording
My child requires significantly more supervision than another child of the same age. Due to impulsivity, anxiety and poor danger awareness, they cannot be safely left unsupervised for long periods. Adult intervention is needed to prevent unsafe behaviour, emotional escalation or harm.
Evidence that helps
- Incident logs
- School behaviour records
- Risk assessments
- Photos of safety locks/gates
- Parent diary
Common mistakes
- Thinking supervision only means physical care
- Forgetting emotional supervision
- Forgetting danger awareness
- Forgetting sibling safety
- Forgetting constant low-level monitoring
Part of the Bright Steps Ultimate Guide. For the full interactive walkthrough with printable templates, sign in and visit the DLA Guide.