Teaching Stranger Danger to Your Children

Everyday, we hear stories of children that have been kidnapped or killed. Some have never been seen again, which leaves their parents wondering what has happened to them. These stories break our hearts and cause us to worry about our own children's safety. It is important for each parent to teach our young children about the dangers of talking with strangers. However, we must make it fun or we will scare them, which can have lasting scars.

Start Teaching Young

Start teaching children about safety early and continue as they grow. Make up a silly game or a silly song that will help them understand you better. In addition, look for fun books and children television shows that teach more about being safe when dealing with strangers. Most importantly, ask questions and continue talking about it, because children need reminders. Allow them to develop their way to say no, by role playing together.

Protecting Older Children

In today's culture, cell-phones have become so popular with many older children. Use this nifty little gadget, as a safety link for your family. Immediately, show your child how to dial 911, even when they don't have a service plan. Teach them how use the text message feature to check in or alert you of danger. Discuss places to hide and silence the phone, in order to keep the attacker from knowing it exists.

Preparing and Practicing

Every week, you should find time to discuss your family's safety and quiz your child's memory of what to do. Be sure they know what do in an emergency, by role playing and having a little fun. Furthermore, look for ways to test them and what they have learned. Be proactive and your child will know immediately how to react when their life is threatened. Once the test is over, reward them for passing or work on areas where they failed.

In An Emergency

Every family may face an emergency, so be prepared by discussing what to do in each emergency. Be sure that your child knows the family emergency plan and your personal information by heart. Begin making up several code words for each child, in case of a real emergency. This way, you can tell someone the code word, just in case you are injured or unable to pick them up for any reason. Never tell anyone this word and change it after each use, so no one can trick your child.

Conclusion

In conclusion, be proactive and teach them about dangers of talking to strangers, in order to avoid having your child become a sad statistic. Be sure to start teaching your children young and reinforce the lessons you are teaching them. Additionally, consider using a cell-phone as a safety link for older children and teach them how to use each feature properly. Therefore, in case of a real emergency, you child will know exactly what to do.