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Step 1
Sit your child down and explain exactly what a stranger is. Let your child know who you would consider a stranger. For example: someone walking down the street while your child is playing outside could be considered a stranger, as could a new person at church. You need to be specific in explaining strangers to your child.
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Step 2
Tell your child that not ALL strangers are bad. Let them know that there are many nice strangers, but that when they are not around you, that is not the time to get to know someone and make friends.
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Step 3
Tell your child that if they are somewhere and a stranger walks up to them and they feel uncomfortable, or if the stranger tries to get them to go away with them, they should yell "STRANGER!" Some people suggest yelling "FIRE" but if your child was in a crowded mall and yelled "FIRE" and people look over at your screaming child and do NOT see a fire... they will probably just look slightly confused and walk away. If they hear your child yell "STRANGER" then they KNOW that person should not be near your child.
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Step 4
Tell your child that it is always, ALWAYS better to be safe than to be sorry later.
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Step 5
Give examples of situations in which strangers might try to kidnap children. A stranger might pull up to a child walking down the street and tell the child that his parents were in an accident. Then the stranger may say to get in the car so they can take the child to his parents. This could be a situation to explain to your child. Any situation that you can think of, tell it to your child.
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Step 6
Warn your child about accepting gifts from strangers. Many bad people will try to lure young children with presents. For example: A bad person may see a young child in a store and say that if they come with them to the toy aisle, they will let the child pick out anything they want! Then when the child leaves with the stranger, they will be kidnapped. Again, give your child possible scenarios so that your child can be ready.
