Sometimes when watching the old TV shows “Father Knows Best”, “My Three Sons”, Leave It to Beaver” or even “Brady Bunch”, it’s hard to believe that such a simple easy time existed.  The world is a scarier place today and our children need to learn how to protect themselves.  This training has to start as soon as they are talking in sentences.  Teach your children:

·                   What to do if they become separated from you in a public place.  They should not wander around looking for you.  Have them go to the checkout counter, security office or lost and found quickly and tell them they have lost their parents and need help.  Teach them to go to a low risk adult.  For example, a police officer in uniform or a pregnant woman with children.

·                   That grownups do not need help from a child.  Grownups should not ask a child for directions or help to find a lost puppy.

·                   That they shouldn’t go with someone who tells them their parents need their help or that their parent’s sent them.  They should not go with anyone unless you have given them prior permission.

·                   That if someone on foot or in a car is following them, they should stay away.  Do not get close to any car.

·                   That if someone tries to take them, they should try to get away and yell or scream, “I don’t know this person this is not my mom (or dad)”.

·                   To never leave the yard or go to a friend’s house without your permission.

·                   To take a friend with them—never go places alone.

·                   Not to let people take pictures of them.

·                   That no one should touch them in any area that is covered by a bathing suit and they should not touch anyone in those areas.

·                   That they can say no to someone who makes you feel uncomfortable or scared—even a grownup.

·                   That when home alone and answering the phone, never say that a parent isn’t here. 

·                   To not answer the door, if alone.  Teach them whom to call if they become afraid.

What you should do:

·                   Know where your kids are at all times.  Know their friends and what they’re doing.

·                   Know the route your child takes to school.

·                   Know your neighbors.  Teach your children where to go if they feel threatened.

·                   Be aware of changes in your child’s behavior.

·                   Be alert to grownups or teenagers who pay an inordinate amount of attention to your kids.

·                   Be careful when hiring a babysitter or any one else that may have custody of your child.

·                   Know your children’s friends and their parents.  Keep a “friend’s list” that includes phone numbers and addresses.

·                   Teach your children that no one should touch them or interact with them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.

·                   Teach your children to trust their feelings and instincts and to come to you if they sense something wrong.

Always listen to your children’s fears and be supportive.