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| Protecting Children
We all want to protect our children
from the people and things in the world that would harm
them. We must learn about the dangers, be alert to
them, and educate our children to protect themselves.
Over 35,000 children
are forcibly abducted each year!
Twenty-four percent
of juvenile kidnappings are perpetrated by a stranger!
Abduction is a topic you must
discuss with your children! It's every parent's
nightmare, and it occurs far too often. Children
are lured by predators who know what makes kids
compliant. They know how to win kids' confidence,
how to make them think they're helping an adult or an
animal in need. Predators play on a child's desire
for things, or use ruses to make kids think the predator
is a "special" person.
Here are some common lures
used by child abductors:
 | "My
pet is missing!" |
| "I
got my little boy a new [toy] and his grandma got him
the same one -- you can have the other one if you
like." |
| I'm
a friend of your Mommy's [Daddy's] and s/he sent me to
bring you home right away!" |
| "Aren't
you just the prettiest little girl [cutest little
boy]? Can I take your picture?" |
All
of these lures can be difficult for a child to resist!
What can you
do? Teach your children:
| Always come and get you if a
stranger approaches them to ask for help, or offers
them a gift. |
| Always come and get you if a
stranger says they know Mommy, Daddy, Grandma, Sis,
or any family member. |
| Never accept a ride from a
stranger, or get too close to a stranger's car. |
| Never let anyone take their
photograph! |
Above all, always tell Mommy and
Daddy! Children must trust and believe that they
can tell their parents anything, and know they'll be
loved, without fear of judgment or punishment. You
know it's true, but make sure they know it, too.
Our children are our most valuable
asset, and sometimes we have as
much to learn from them as they do from us. Enjoy
them, watch them -- and protect them! |
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Talk
To Your Kids About Being Safe!
Let them know that it's okay to trust
and follow their instincts. Teach them to leave any
situation that doesn't seem right to them.
Show kids where the safe
places to go are if they feel threatened while walking
or bike riding. Walk the route with your child and
point out safe places such as police and fire stations,
hospitals, and homes of people you know.
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Screen Would-Be
Babysitters Thoroughly!
Be extra careful when choosing the
persons you trust to keep your children safe. It's not
always easy to find the right sitter. Be choosy!
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