How to Warn a Child About Strangers

One of the most difficult jobs a parent has is to warn their child about strangers. While trying to make sure they stay safe, it is not necessary to make them fear people in general. By making sure that the child understands some well-defined rules, keeping a child safer from strangers is much easier.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Warn the child that stereotypes don't apply. It is impossible to tell who is a "good guy" and who is a "bad guy," regardless of sex, race, size, speech, what kind of car they drive or anything else.
2. Make sure the child knows that taking care of themselves it the first priority. Many children fall prey to strangers because the adult pretends he needs help. A child must understand that helping people comes behind helping themselves stay safe. Remind them that if an adult needs help, they can always find another adult to help them.
3. Tell the child to trust their instincts. If something feels wrong, they should listen to their instincts. That inner voice is trying to warn them that something is wrong.
4. Ensure that they understand who a stranger is. A stranger is anyone unknown. Period. It doesn't matter if they are male or female, or what they look like. It also doesn't matter if they say they know their parents or anything else. Also explain that if the child does not know them, and does not have permission from their parents first hand, it is not okay to talk to them at all.
5. Make the rules simple and clear. There are a few basic rules children should know. Never let a stranger get too close--an arm's length away is the minimum distance they should keep. Never take anything from a stranger, even if it is theirs. And absolutely never go anywhere with a stranger, in a car or otherwise.