Unfortunately the reality is, you can't always be with your child. Occasionally your child is left in the care and supervision of other adults. As horrible as it is to imagine, the fact is, most child abductions occur by close family friends and/or other adults that the child is already familiar with. However, here are a few things you can teach your child that will empower them with the awareness they need to help keep them safe...even when you can't be there.
Let's begin...
There are "flags" that you can teach your child to be aware of, that seem to occur on a consistent bases with child abductions. One of those "flags" is that predators or would be predators often will test their potential victims. They will try and see how a child will react to seeming innocent situations. They often do this by seeing if the child can "keep a secret."
Your child should know to ALWAYS tell you if someone has asked them or wants them to keep a "secret"
That no one should ever, ever touch or attempt to touch them in ANY part of their body covered by a bathing suit. And that they should never touch anyone in these areas either. Explain to them that the body is special and private.
To ask anyone who drives him anywhere, not to leave him alone in the car-but if he is alone in a car, to put up the windows, leaving a "finger" space between the window glass and the rim, and to lock the doors and stay near the car horn. If a stranger approaches the car, he should blow the horn until help arrives.
That she has the right to say NO to anyone who tries to take her somewhere, touches her, or makes her feel uncomfortable in any way.
If anyone tries to take them away to yell, "This is NOT my parent!" And keep yelling, even kicking and screaming. But ALWAYS use the words "This is not my parent!"
To never accept a ride with anyone else than who you allowed them to go with in the first place. Occasionally, abductors or child abduction schemes will involve a "hand off" of the child, after the child has been allowed to go with someone who is close and familiar to the family.
Your child should always ask permission to leave the yard or to go to a neighbors house. Older children should phone home to tell you where they are, especially if they change locations.
Your child should NEVER hitch hike! If your child calls and needs you pick them up, or needs a ride to go to another location. Stop what your doing and take them! They could have made a worse decision. They could be avoiding getting in a car with a drunk driver, or avoiding one of the dangers you taught them about. Give them the ride, it's easier than dealing with the stress and emotional drain of having a missing child. Or even worse yet, identifying your childs body.
Teach your child to be home before dark. They may give you a hard time, but they will surely thank you later in life. And if they find themselves "late," to stay away from dark or abandoned places.
And finally, teach your child to To avoid adults who are waiting around a playground – particularly an adult who wants to play with them and their friends.
I hope you have found this 3 part series "Child Safety and Child Protection: Easy Steps You Can Take" usefull. The information you have been provided was compiled by multiple missing child agencies from all over the United States. These are the investigators on the front lines of the more than 1.4 Million missing child cases that are reported every single year.
Use the information I have provided for you and don't take your childs' safety lightly. Practice these child safety and child protection techniques. It's important we all do our part to keeping the children of the world safe, and out of danger, today, tomarrow, and everyday for the rest of their lives.
Have An Incredible and Very Safe Day!