Traffic & Safety
Being safe in traffic is a skill that grows step by step. Spuki knows: practice, predictability and patience are the keys. No child needs to master everything at once – every small step counts.
Always the same route
Practice the school route together – always the same path. Predictability creates safety. Your child can focus on traffic instead of navigation.
Traffic lights & crossings
Practice at real crossings: Stop, look left-right-left, wait. Make it a game: 'Can you see the green man?' Repeat until it becomes automatic.
Be visible
Reflective strips on jacket and bag, bright colours. In winter especially important. Spuki says: 'Shine bright so cars can see you!'
Learn to ride a bike
Step by step, no pressure. First in a safe space (park, quiet street), then gradually in traffic. A helmet is always part of it – like Spuki's scales protect him.
Helmet is natural
The helmet is not a punishment – it's protection, like a knight's armour. Let your child choose the design. It should fit well and be comfortable.
Avoid distractions
No headphones, no phone while walking or cycling. Practice: 'Eyes on the road, ears open.' For children who get easily absorbed: gentle reminders without blame.
Public transport rules
Practice tram and bus behaviour: wait behind the line, hold on, stay seated. For sensory-sensitive children: quiet spot in the vehicle, headphones allowed.
Recognise dangers
Play 'I spy dangers': parked cars (doors opening), driveways, blind corners. Make it a detective game, not a fear exercise.
Emergency plan
Your child should know: their own address, a phone number by heart, how to ask an adult for help. Practice without pressure – it's a superpower, not a test.
Practice traffic rules playfully
Use toy cars, draw roads, play traffic light games. Repetition through play anchors rules without stress. Spuki plays along!
Spuki's Task
Draw your school route! Mark the crossings, traffic lights and your favourite spots along the way. Can you count how many zebra crossings there are? Spuki would love to walk your route with you!
Tip for Parents
Children who are easily distracted or overwhelmed in traffic are not careless – their brain is processing many stimuli at once. Practice in calm moments, not during rush hour. Celebrate every small success. Independence in traffic grows with trust and repetition, not with pressure.
Developed in collaboration with the Humanistic School Switzerland and Inklusion Schweiz. What works for neurodivergent children works for all children.