The homeschooled child is unique in that their interaction with strangers is limited. When they go out into the world, they are usually with a parent or another responsible adult. They have a tendency to naturally trust those around them, and this is wonderful, in that they are able to form friendships, but on the other hand, a child who is too trusting can find themselves in uncomfortable situations.
Of course, we can’t be with our children twenty-four hours a day, although I admit, there are times when I wish I could. The world is a scary place and it’s hard for me to send my little tiny babies (okay, they aren’t little and tiny anymore, but you know how I feel) out into it. There are certain things we as parents should do to help our children be more aware of the dangers they may face.
Just like children who attend public school, homeschooled children should be taught the danger signs of a predator. Is someone taking a lot of interest in them and asking them questions about where they live? Has anyone spoken to them about sex or parts of the body? Has anyone hinted at showing their body parts to your child, or asking your child to show theirs? Does anyone just flat-out make them feel uncomfortable?
We should also talk to our children about abduction. We should make sure they know to never get in a stranger’s car, to scream loudly if someone tries to pull them away from where they are, and not to be afraid to kick, scream, punch, or bite anyone who grabs them. Yelling “You’re not my mom!” or “You’re not my dad!” will help passersby understand that they haven’t just encountered a parenting moment gone wrong, but that the child is in real danger.
As homeschoolers, we hope to prepare our children for the future while shielding them from some of life’s less pleasant things, but we certainly can’t protect them from everything. While we prepare them for their futures, let’s prepare them for every eventuality they might face, including that of physical danger. They aren’t truly prepared until they know what to do when we’re not there.
Related Blogs:
Do We Want Them to Be Aware or Afraid?
Stranger Danger and the Preschooler
Teaching Your Child about Strangers