One of the worst things about becoming a single parent was that Hailey became a latch key kid for the first time. I worried constantly, you only have to watch the news for a few minutes to see all the danger that lurks outside of your door, and if you check the National Sex Offender Registry it becomes even more frightening.
After the divorce we lived in an apartment for the first time in Hailey’s life, she went from being driven to school and picked up by her day care bus to being responsible for herself before and after school. This included walking to and from the bus stop alone.
I wanted to make sure that Hailey knew how to keep herself safe when I wasn’t around. The very first thing we talked about was trusting yourself. If someone makes you uncomfortable, walk away, if something doesn’t feel right, walk away, run and scream if you need to, better safe than sorry.
Talk to your child about inappropriate touching. Teach them that their private areas are theirs alone and they have the right to raise a ruckus is someone is trying to touch them in a way that makes them uncomfortable.
If you know there is someone in your neighborhood who is not safe, teach your child to avoid that person at all costs.
Teach them how to get help. Just because some is an adult doesn’t mean you have to obey if what they are doing or saying makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Teach your child to run or scream and approach an adult who looks safe, like a mother with small children.
Keep the lines of communication open. Let you children know they can always come to you, about anything. That if someone harms them it is not their fault and you will always believe them and they can always trust you.
Preach the buddy system. Two children are less likely to be targeted than a child alone. Find someone for your child to walk with, or suggest she stay with the group as long as she can.
Help them be aware and be safe without frightening them. A timid, frightened child cannot help herself.