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A missing child is every parents worst nightmare.
And the recent abductions of young girls in Florida highlights the danger to our kids.
But how do we protect them from being abducted?
Stranger Danger
Should we still talk to our kids about strangers?
Although most kids are abused or abducted by someone that they know, and younger children don't always understand what a stranger even is, the concept of stranger danger is still important.
To be more effective, instead of simply warning kids to not talk to strangers, you should be a little clearer about just who a stranger might be, emphasing that a stranger is someone that your child doesn't know well and not simply someone that looks strange.
This Stranger Danger Quiz might help to see if your child really understands the concept of strangers.
Strange Situations
Perhaps more important that just warning your kids about strangers is to help them identify 'strange situations' in which a friend, family member, or stranger might abuse or abduct them. For example, although your child's teacher isn't a stranger, it would be strange for them to follow your child home.
It can also be helpful to teach your children to trust their instincts, say 'no,' and get help if someone touches them inappropriately or makes them feel uncomfortable.
- Know who your child is talking to. Specifically ask about who they might be talking to on the playground or when walking home from school.
- Supervise your children on the Internet.
- Know who is around your child.
- Lock up your home at night, and if possible, use a home alarm system.
- Understand that your children are more at risk from people that they know than from strangers.
- Set up a trusted place where your children can go if they feel threatened.
- Don't forget to talk to your older children, since many children who were abducted by a stranger were over 12 years old.
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