Posted by Family Volley on August 29, 2022 · Leave a Comment
As parents, we know we need to talk to our children about strangers, but it is hard to know how to talk to our children without scaring them.
Start by helping your children understand what a stranger is. A stranger is anyone that your family doesn’t know very well. They don’t have to look mean and evil like TV portrays.
When I was explaining strangers to our daughter, she said, “but we don’t know policemen, so are they strangers?”
Ah, after talking about bad strangers, be sure you explain that there are also Safe Strangers. Safe strangers are those people that our children can go to for help. Firemen, policemen, and teachers are good examples.
Once your child understands what a stranger is, talk about dangerous situations.
Explain to your children that anytime an adult…
- Asks your child to keep a secret
- Asks them for directions or help
- Does or says something that makes them uncomfortable
- Encourages them to disobey you or do something wrong
They need to get away and tell an adult immediately.
Next, role-play situations that your child might be faced with. (Helping your children understand that in these situations, it is okay to say “no” to an adult). Some examples might include…
- A stranger asks your child if they want a ride home
- A stranger stops to ask if your child has seen their missing dog
- A stranger asks your child for directions
- A stranger asks your child if they want a treat or candy.
Talk to your child about what to do if they are ever faced with one of these situations.
- Never get close to the car, or the stranger. Keep your distance.
- Yell “No” as loud as you can and run away from the stranger.
- Tell an adult, or safe stranger what has happened right away.
Practice possible dangerous situations so your children know what to do. This will give them more confidence if the situation ever presents itself, and will give you a little peace of mind as you send them out the door each day.
