Teaching Children to Be Vigilant with Strangers
News of child abduction is never lonely circulating in social media. Although not necessarily true, but it makes many parents worry about the safety of their children.
Often we hear parents teach their sons not to talk to strangers, to avoid unwanted things such as being kidnapped, tricked, or harmed.
Moreover, children who can do their own activities usually begin to enjoy adventure or out of reach of both parents. As a result, many parents are worried so that the message to his son to avoid strangers.
However, is it true that the statement 'do not talk to strangers' is still the right solution to avoid the loss of children? Is there another way that can be done? What to watch out for to prevent unwanted things from happening to a child?
As parents, of course we are happy if children are able to be friendly and polite to others, but their friendly attitude can also be worrying.
1. Select the words
You should not use the word "stranger" in children, but use the term "sly person". We can explain that "sly people" are adults, whether known or not, but likes to lie to kids and break the rules.
"Adult words are important because children tend to believe in adults, while the term 'strangers' we use is not always creepy for children, it can be friendly and interesting, with toys or animals which is funny.
To make sure the kids know how to deal with cunning people, create a specific scenario. For example, ask questions such as: "What do you do if an adult offers you a candy? What if he asks you for help in finding his missing cat?" Listen to the answer and then explain the right way to behave.
If the child asks why he or she should not accept candy or go to find the missing cat, stay away from comments like, "You will be kidnapped". Better explain that not everyone we meet is good. Make a joint rule that he should not go with anyone, without parental permission.
2. Create a Plan
For children of child kindergarten, safety rules should be learned through muscle memory. For example by playing a role. Make games easy for children to understand and fun.
Because we as parents know the dangers lurking out there, we tend to teach them too seriously and unpleasantly for the child.
Of course sometimes children need the help of others. Therefore, playing a role in various situations is very important. For example when a child is separated from a parent in a public place. Teach children to look for security guards or shopkeepers, such as cashiers. Another alternative is to ask the mothers who are with the child.
3. Learn to Believe in Instinct
We also need to teach the child to believe in his instincts. Not only for foreigners, but also people who are known for sexual violence are often committed by adults who know children.
All we have to teach is "go away from the person who made you like that and tell the adults you believe." we must also teach children not to keep secrets from parents. If someone tells you to keep a secret, tell the father and mother
what parents should do is not prohibit children from talking to strangers, but be more vigilant and refuse the giving of strangers, such as candy or toys.
In addition, also more alert when there are people who force invite. teach children not to hesitate to scream and run if there are strangers who suddenly kiss, hug, feel, or grip them.
4. Be Wary of Social Media
Also note, the role of social media is also a trigger rampant kidnapping of children. Moreover, nowadays children are able to upload their own photos and personal details.
However, on the one hand the internet also plays an important role to increase parental awareness of the safety of their children. The easy flow of information can be used to spread news about missing children.
Another thing that is recommended to be avoided in order to prevent the kidnapping is to embed the name of the child in his goods, such as clothes, uniforms, bags, and so on. Because, children will tend to quickly trust the stranger if called his name.
They would think the person had known him or her family before. What should be implanted is that children remember their own full name, as well as the full name of their parents to make it easier when asking for help.
So, in the midst of increasing cases of kidnapping and violence against children today, it helps you fortify the baby to be more vigilant and firm, and know how to respond quickly when things happen undesirable. Do not forget, still monitor your child.
You're right. Children is so reckless sometimes when they came to a stranger. They ignoring what we've been teaching. But kids is still a kids.
Maybe we are the one that are wrong, we should teach them to be humble to strangers, not to make them suspicious. This is my opinion.
Good post. Hope the peeps really read this
It is really important to educate kids on this matter. Also parents to learn how to properly educate the kids.
The world has become such a dangerous place for children so as a parent, this topic struck right through me. This is very important in helping us parents be transparent to our kids, but at the same time, ease them out of the terror running through our minds. I have always talked to my little boy with scenarios coupled with actions and the reasons why we have to go through those things when we go out. Kids nowadays understand so much that letting them know the whys will definitely help.