Many Parents warn their children, never to talk with strangers but does your children really understand the dangers?It may be upsetting for children to feel they live in a dangerous world and children may leave their guard down, it may be much more comforting for kids to follow some basic rules that Parents may teach their children without frightening them.
Avoid scaring your children---Talk about what is OK, Parents need to educate and remind children when they are with Mom & Dad it is OK for Kids to be polite when a stranger says Hello, how are you for the child to reply .
Reminding children that most people are generally Good but there are some people that are Bad and that they may want to hurt them---one way of knowing a Bad person is when someone offers them candy, money and says to go with them without telling their parents, babysitter or teacher. Bad people will often talk about secrets. Remind your children that there should be no secret that your kids can't tell you.
Roll Playing---Have a fun time with your child and play out some events that may occur should a Stranger ask:
Can you help me find my puppy?
Your Mommy told me to pick you up from school.
What is your child to do? Have a secret password that only you and your children know and teach your child to run away and know how to use 911 when they are in danger. Teach your child never to get into a vehicle with a Stranger and to kick, scream, yell fire, bite, scratch, throw rocks and avoid ever getting into a car with a Stranger.
By roll playing you will teach your children valuable lessons without frightening them, keeping the lines of communications open with your children, always listen compassionately to your children which provides you with a golden opportunity to reassure them and answer any questions they may have.
Children are most at risk being targeted by sexual predators by a person they may know and many predators lure children by offering them candy or giving them a gift---it is important to teach your children never to accept anything from someone, unless a parent says that it is all right.
Lastly always remind your children that they need to ask before going anywhere without permission, its not that you don't trust your children it is simply courteous to let others know where we are. Teach your Kids by example and you may say, "...I always call your Daddy whenever I am running late, need to stop at the store before I come home..." Demonstrating to your Kid's that it is very grown up to tell someone where you are, shows responsibility, builds trust and will demonstrate to your Kids that we do this out of respect, courtesy and our love for one another. This small act will also help keep your children safe.
