November is National Child Safety month. It should be child safety month all year round! Let's recognize it by NOT just saying "watch out for strangers" when we talk with kids about safety. Here's why. Many children assume "strangers" are dirty and scary looking. Therefore they feel safe with people who look nice or seem familiar. But in reality there is often more risk from a person a child recognizes or finds attractive than there is from a stranger. Also, there are times when kids who are scared or lost need help from strangers. So rather than talking about "stranger danger," let's teach kids to get away fast and talk to someone on a Trusted Adult List whenever ANY other adult asks for help (to find a pet or mail a letter, say) or offers treats or trips, without first suggesting the child obtain permission from a parent or guardian. Also, teach children to say No when an adult says, "This is a secret. Don't tell." Stress that if ANYONE touches the child's private parts -- RUN and TELL!! Parts not covered by a bathing suit are off limits, as are unwanted hugs and kisses. Suggest places where the child can go for help, then ask the child to repeat what you said. (Store clerks and other mothers are usually good choices.) Even very young children can be taught to dial 911 if they think they might be in danger. Tell them it is free, even from a pay phone, and that they won't get in trouble if it's a false alarm. It is important that they don't make a game of calling 911, but if they are afraid, CALL
Children today are bombarded with scary messages, so try to make them understand that there are a lot of good people. It is just that bad ones can fool us. One sure way to help children be strong in time of danger is to make them feel safe and secure at home by being fair and consistent and giving them lots of praise. Happy children are not nearly as vulnerable as unhappy children. If you are a parent, show your children you love and respect them and want only the best for them. They will be much more likely to listen when you tell them how to protect themselves.
