Are there sex offenders in your neighborhood?
Check out
> Nation Alert Register
> Sex Offenders
Does you child have a Finger ID and DNA/Child Safety kit?
> Crime Prevention
> A Guide For Parrents
> KidSafe ID
> Who Is A Stranger And What Should I Do Explains how to deal with strangers in public places, on the telephone, and in cars.
> Not Everyone Is Nice This book helps parents address issues of what to do if approached by a stranger and safety steps the children can take.
> The Berenstain Bears Learn about Strangers "The Bears' rules for safe conduct among strangers are listed on the last pages, including a rule about the privacy of a bear's body. A good book to start awareness in young children.
> Safety Around Strangers This series offers young people strategies for protecting their physical and emotional health.
> Safety in Your Neighborhood Provides advice on getting to know neighbors; watching out for strangers in the neighborhood.
> It's My Body: A Book to Teach Young Children How to Resist Uncomfortable Touch written to help adults and preschool children talk about sexual abuse, this book emphasizes self-reliance and open communication.
> Your Body Belongs To You Explains what to say and do if someone touches your body when you do not want to be touched.
> Stanger Safety
> Safe From Harm
When we think of
To help with this here are the top 7 things parents can do to prevent their young from falling prey to strangers and child kidnappers in the busy hustle and bustle of the season.
1. Stay connected. Make sure you have your children with you whether in a stroller or holding your hand. Even if your child stays next to you other times of the year, all the distractions of toys, decorations, and Santa can make any kid get sidetracked. For older children invest in a family walkie-talkie set. Make sure they know how to use it and check in with them on regular time intervals to know where they are – even if they are right next to you.
2. If your child is lost go right to security. Most malls and shopping centers have security protocol when a child is missing. Don’t try to look for your child alone. Let them help you the second you realize you cannot find your child – every moment counts.
3. Know what your child is wearing that day, and carry a recent picture with you in your wallet. Most moms and dads have lots of pictures of the kids, but baby pics are not helpful if your child is lost and security needs to search for them.
4. Teach your child what to do if a stranger approaches them. First – Run away! Second – Tell somebody!
5. Role play with your child ahead of time. Use tactics that some kidnappers have used in the past and teach your children not to ‘fall for a stranger’s sneaky tricks!” i.e. stranger favorite lures: candy, video games, comic books, toys, telling them "your mommy told me to bring you home" etc.
6. Do not have your child wear anything with their name on it – i.e. back packs, purses, and jackets. Child offenders with pick up these clues and use the child’s name when speaking with them to gain trust.
7. Practice, Practice, Practice! Reviewing these strategies not only will help your child remember, but keep it on your mind as well. We all want our children safe, happy and well for more holidays to come.
About The Author
Michelle Annese is the author of 'The Realtor Survival Guide' and owner of http://www.michelleannese.com, a web site devoted to information for women about self-defense, crime prevention and other personal safety topics.
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