When is a Stranger a Stranger?

As so many of us parents work to make sure that our children have stranger awareness, and with all the attention paid to stranger safety in schools and other programs—you would think we would be sending a very clear message to our children about strangers. But, are we? How often have you taken your child to sit on “Santa’s” lap or encouraged them to hug a mascot at a football game or parade? Do we forbid our children to talk to people while standing on line at the library, or do we encourage them to make these random social connections. … Continue reading

Stranger Awareness: Is It Time for a Refresher Course?

One of the biggest fears many parents have is that their child will fall victim to child abduction. That’s why we teach stranger awareness. We’ve all seen programs where parents are asked if their kids would go with a stranger where most answer with a loud and vehement “no”. Then we watch parents sit back and view a video of their child helping a “stranger” locate a puppy. We all think that our kids won’t go with strangers but the truth is many would. Especially since most strangers aren’t scary looking monsters, but your every day run of the mill … Continue reading