Being Safe

I found this the other day while looking around on the internet. These are some great tips for teaching your child to be safe and be aware of strangers. With Lauren quickly approaching school age, this is something I definately want to start talking to her about.

1. Adults don't NEED help from a kid, so if an adult asks for their help (finding a dog, lifting something into their car, etc.) that it should be a warning sign.

2. If someone did try to grab them, I don't just want them to scream (because someone could assume that they are just throwing a tantrum) but I want them to scream "STRANGER, THIS IS NOT MY DAD/MOM, STRANGER, STRANGER!"

3. If someone tries to grab them, their best defense is to fall down on their bums and start kicking as hard as they can (in the groin area) while screaming because it's harder for someone to grab them.

4. They need to know their address and phone number.

5. We teach our kids to have a lot of respect and manners but they have to know that if they are ever in a bad situation that they do NOT have to show respect or manners - they have to do whatever they have to do to get out of the situation.

6. If a car stops along the side of the road and waits while they are walking in the direction of the car, they need to turn and walk the opposite way while watching over their shoulder.

7. Bad guys don't usually LOOK like bad guys and they don't ACT like bad guys either. They often look and act like nice people because that is how they trick kids.

8. Never leave from one location, going to a secondary location with someone if they have not been given permission to do so (by me or my husband) no matter what anyone says.

9. Being scared is ok, but being smart is what can help them to avoid/get out of a bad situation.

10. Always ask a person they trust (teacher, parent, etc.) if they are concerned or scared and don't know how to handle a situation.