~“Do I Know You?”~

This post is copied from this months Parenting Magazine.  I was reading it tonight and thought…this is some sound advice, I need to pass this on!  So here it goes!

Do I know You?

You want your kid to be wary of strangers, but you also don’t want to freak him out too much.  Someday he might be lost or need to ask for help.  Here’s how to gently explain whom your child can trust-and the creeps who must be avoided.

Neighbours:  “It’s fine to say hi when we’re in the yard or taking a walk together.  But always ask Mommy or Daddy before you visit anyone else’s house,” says Brenda Zofrea, a safety specialist and author of Let’s B Safe.

Firefighters, police offices and lifeguards:  “When you’re lost or need help, they’re the best people to go to.  Make sure they’re wearing uniforms like there.” (Then show him photos.)

Strangers who approach your child when he’s alone, asking for directions or help:  “Adults should only ask other adults for help-shake your head no and leave.  And never walk over to a car because someone says they need to ask you a question.”

Store Salespeople and Cashiers:  “If we’re shopping and you can’t find me, look for someone standing behind a cash register or wearing a badge or a name tag.  They can help.  If you can’t find anyone like them, ask a lady or a lady with kids to help you.”

The mail carrier, garbage-man, or other service people your child knows casually: “If a grown-up rings the doorbell, even if you know him, please get me before you open the door.”

Any stranger or friend who says that Mommy or Daddy is sick and sent him to come get your child:  “Ask him if he knows our secret password-I’d never send anyone to get you without telling it to him.”  (Then set up a password and practice it.)-D.S.