Stranger Danger - when to start talking about it

What age did you start talking about stranger danger, and how do you do emphasize how important it is without scaring the kids?

Re: Stranger Danger - when to start talking about it

This is a tough one....I watched a lot of videos regarding what to teach my kids and took my approach from them. I dont remember exactly the names of them b/c this was years ago but here are some key points on what to teach your children without scaring them...

This all comes from the information I received.

I taught them early probably once they were old enough to go play around the playground.

First off you dont want your kids to be scared of people. So it's better off teaching them what to do in certain situations rather than telling them simply that some people are bad...

1. Teach your kids that say if they are with you at the park and someone wants them to go off with them that they have to tell you..it doesnt matter if they are at the park with you and suddenly they see grandma they have to tell you where they are going...
2. Teach them that if they get lost or separated from you to either find someone who works there (store, amusement park, etc) or to find a Mommy..anyone with little kids.
3. Teach them that a stranger isnt someone that they dont know but rather someone that YOU dont know...a friend to your child can be made in a 5 minute exchange. But if Mommy doesnt know that person they are a stranger.
4. Teach them early to feel comfortable to talk to you about their bodies and what is going on with them.
5. Teach them to SCREAM!!!!! And Practice!!!! (they like this one)

I could go on and on...

Message edited 3/18/2008 10:53:54 PM.

Re: Stranger Danger - when to start talking about it

I've already started to tell Andrew in the simplest of terms. For example, not to talk to anyone he doesn't know, don't go anywhere without asking mommy first, etc..

I am going to order a video for him that I heard is great. I keep meaning to get it, and I put it off. But I heard it's good so I want to give it a shot.

The Safe Side Video

Re: Stranger Danger - when to start talking about it

Thanks! This is helpful.

Re: Stranger Danger - when to start talking about it

These are really good ideas. I've also started teaching Amber about 911 and how to call Grandma on the phone, etc.