Advice History

Children learn by example and often times we forget that our comfort with strangers is a signal for how they react with strangers. When strangers openly confront you to tell you how adorable your children are, do you engage? Most often you probably do. Your child sees that and may think its ok to talk to certain strangers, friendly strangers. It's important to remind your children that although you may talk to a stranger, it is still not ok for them to talk to strangers unless Mom or Dad is with them. Remind them through gentle rules about the "not ok's" when it comes to strangers.

-It is not ok to talk to strangers
-It is not ok to go anywhere with a stranger
-It is not ok to take presents from strangers
-It is not ok for strangers to touch you, anywhere
-It is not ok for strangers to talk to you

Whenever you go on an outing to the park or in a public place to tell your children this simple rule about staying close, "If you can't see me, I can't see you"

 

The term Stranger Danger is no longer appropriate.  We now have to be concerned about "Tricky People".  My kids and I both take Child Safety Workshops.  They learn that they are "the boss" of their own body.  That if they get that yucky feeling, they should do something about it....Tell a grown up, run away.... They know if they get lost to go to a mom with kids or the person at the store with cash register and money.  They also know my cell phone number (home number does not help if you get seperated  at a store). www.safelyeverafter.com has great tips on what to teach your kids about safety.