As parents we spend time talking to our kids about not talking to strangers. We also talk to our kids about what to do if they get separated from us while we are out in public. Most of us tell them that they are to approach someone and ask for help. Many of us tell them to approach a woman since women are more likely to become emotionally invested in helping your child and are less likely to be sexual predators. Unfortunately some kids may be unable to approach a stranger and ask for help when they need it most. That’s why parents have to teach their kids how to talk to strangers before they actually need their assistance. In the current issue of the Family Education Network newsletter, the following tips are offered on how to teach your child how to talk to strangers.
(1) Practice having your child talk to strangers in a safe environment, one where you can easily observe your child.
(2) Start with some easy situations for your child to practice and then proceed to more challenging ones. Examples include:
Have your child approach a stranger and ask for the time.
Have your child approach a stranger and ask for simple directions like the way to the nearest ice-cream place.
Have your child make a simple purchase like gum or candy with you standing nearby.
Have your child make the same simple purchase but let them enter the store alone.
There are some practical things you can do to help reduce your anxiety in case your child does lost:
(1) Dress your small kids in bright colored, distinctive outfits.
(2) Always carry current photos of your child with you.
(3) Devise a plan of what you will do if your child gets lost. For instance you might agree to meet at the food court or the information desk.
At some point in time you may find yourself losing sight of your child when in public. Many kids wander off while their parents are otherwise engaged. Tyler has “lost” me twice already. I say he lost me because I had my eye on him both times but he wandered off and then realized he didn’t see me and panicked. In both cases I reminded him that he should not wander off. But like most kids he’ll probably do it again. In most cases when a child is lost he will be found within minutes, seconds even. The key is for both child and parent not to panic.
See also:
When Should Your Kids Be Allowed To Use Public Restrooms Alone?
How To Ask A Child If They’ve Been Sexually Abused
McGruff.org Teaches Kids About Safety