Helping Your Child Stay Safe

The headlines are riddled today with news about kidnappings, missing kids, and pedophiles. With the constant threat to kids these days it is a very scary time to bring up children. There a few things, however, that we can offer to help your kids to stay safe.

Who is a stranger?

Most kids get told that they should never talk to strangers. But do kids really know the meaning of the word "stranger?" Very often kids think that anyone that they do not know is a stranger. And although this may be true, it also puts that person in a very unfavorable light even if they do not deserve it. Not all strangers should be deemed to be nasty people. Perhaps it may be better to tell your kids not to talk to anyone that has not visited your home. Another way to term it would be to say that they should avoid anyone who is not a "family friend." This gives them something a little bit more specific to deal with.

Keep personal information private

Kids should always be told that they should never give out any personal information such as their name, address, phone number, email address and password or birth date to anyone but teachers, doctors, coaches, Brownie leaders and other family members. Also try to avoid putting your child's name on the outside of their clothing as this is an invitation to predators.

Phone skills

All kids should know their first and last name and their phone number as soon as possible. Once this has been taught you can then teach them how to dial 911 and call the operator. This can be very important in the instance of an emergency. All of us have read stories about how a small child called for help when an adult was incapacitated. You can also teach your child how to reverse phone charges to you when calling via the operator. They can then call you from any phone.

"Drop and run"

Teach the "drop and run" rule. This rule simply states that if a child feels that they are in immediate danger, drop whatever they are carrying and run. Explain to the child that they can run much faster if they are not carrying anything with them. Tell them that anything that they have with them can easily be replaced and that it is much more important to be concerned about their safety.

Discuss "gut feelings"

Talk to your child about "gut feelings." Perhaps your child does not have any firm reason to fear a situation but might just be suspicious of someone or something. If they have this feeling, it is best to leave rather than taking unnecessary chances by staying.

The secret family code

You should establish a family code for your younger kids. They should be told that they should never accept a ride from anyone who does not have this code. If you are to pick them up from school and you get delayed, they should only ride with someone that has this code. Then they know that the person was sent by you. Emphasize that the code must be kept secret and is only given out by you when it is necessary. If someone offers them a ride but does not have the code then they should refuse the ride. Be sure, however, to keep the code simple so that the child can remember it.

The secret family password

The family password is similar to the code except that it is intended for older kids. The password will tell you if your child feels that he is in a difficult situation. All he must do is call you and say something like, "I think I am catching a cold." You will know right away that something is up and you need to remove him from that environment. This can be very useful when it comes to peer pressure when kids can find themselves in problem situations which they did not anticipate.

Check after school hours

Kids usually get in the most trouble between three o'clock and six o'clock. The reason is that these hours have shown that there is not a lot of parental supervision. Pay particular attention to that time period to help your kids to stay out of troublesome situations.

Check-in rule

You should make it a rule that you know where your kids are at all times. If they are going somewhere after school, they should let you know their plans. If they are going to someone's house, you should know whose house it is, and where it is located. Make calls at random times to the location your child is expected to be.

Stay in one place

Teach your child that if they are ever lost to stay in one place. Look for someone to help them. This person should be a woman and preferably a woman with a child. If they are lost in a store, tell them to stay inside the store and go to the nearest cashier.