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Keeping our Children Safe, part one
By Lara | July 28, 2008
Every Mothers nightmare is something awful happening to their precious child…especially if it involves some lunatic nut job. So, I thought it would be a very good idea to share some safety ideas, tips, and resources to help keep our kids safe in this scary world. As best we can anyway…
In part one of this series we will talk about strangers and the importance of teaching our children what to do in any and all situations that may arise.
Strangers
We all know how trusting a child can be. Especially when they are very young. However, in this ever increasing in sin world that we all live in, we MUST take the time to teach our babies about who they can and who they can NOT trust. They need to learn how dangerous strangers can be. Teaching them to be aware of potential dangers of strangers is no different than teaching them not to run into the street.
Teaching your Child about the dangers of Strangers
- Never force your kids to hug or kiss your friends…or even relatives. They have a right just as you do to decide who they want to be affectionate with. Forcing your kids to be affectionate when they do not want to will make them more vulnerable to accepting inappropriate touching.
- Teach your child what to do if they become separated from you in a store. Tell them to go to customer service (show them where it is at the front of the store when you arrive) or find someone (preferably a woman) who works there (with a name tag on), or a police officer to help them find you.
- Help them listen to their instincts and to act upon them if things don’t seem right or if they ever feel threatened or uncomfortable. Self-preservation is a strong instinct; help them recognize it and act quickly when they feel it.
- Help your children understand what the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touching is. Explain to them what “personal space” is. Tell them that adults (even family and ones they think are nice), should NEVER touch them in their private areas or ANYWHERE they feel uncomfortable. Tell them that adults should not talk to them in a way that makes them uncomfortable OR like they are adults. They also need to know that if they ever feel uncomfortable, it is MORE than OK to tell an adult “NO.” Period.
- Research and teach your child about the many lures that strangers use to get kids to let down their guards. You may even want them to take a special class that many cities offer, or buy a book, find a website, etc. Whatever it takes to keep them informed of the many tactics that strangers use to lure little kids…and teens too!
- For teenage daughters, I HIGHLY recommend getting them pepper spray to keep in their purse and investing in self defense classes. They need all the help they can get. I have taught my daughter that she may think she is strong, but up against a grown man she is not. Our girls need to know how to immobilize a man quickly and defend themselves.
- For kids that use the Internet, WATCH THEM! Do not assume that your kids will do the right thing. They are CHILDREN…even teenagers. They NEED our guidance and help!
Our babies…young and teens are a gift from the Lord and they NEED us to help them to know and understand the dangers in this world and how to handle them properly. I am certainly not suggesting to teach our children to be fearful…just aware and cautious! When you talk to your kids about strangers be as frank as possible with them. The goal is to teach them and bring them to a point of understanding…not freak them out and make them fearful! We have a responsibility to train them up not only in the Lord, but how to be intelligent human beings.
Stranger Resources:
- mcgruff.org
- safechild.org
- familywatchdog.us (national sex offenders registry)
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Part Two, Coming soon…
Topics: Lessons to Learn, Life with Toddlers, Mommy Stuff, Parenting, Preschoolers, Raising Teenagers, Safety, Strangers, Thinking Out Loud, Tips |