| Right now, I am sitting with my youngest son while he | | | | you begin these conversations when they are young, it |
| falls asleep because he was scared to be alone. | | | | becomes a natural thing to talk about, much like not |
| Sometimes he is my best inspiration because as good | | | | touching a hot stove; it warns them without scaring |
| as I feel about the work I do in child safety, it is times | | | | them. |
| like this when I am just a mom with a scared little boy | | | | There are some excellent resources available to |
| who I want to protect from the dangers of the world. | | | | assist you in teaching your children about personal |
| Apparently, he had walked through the living room | | | | safety; you can use books, videos, participate in group |
| where his older brother was watching a police show | | | | discussions or role-playing, just to name a few. I used a |
| and heard a reference of an abducted child. When I | | | | couple different methods in teaching my boys; we |
| was tucking him into bed, he called me Mommy (I am | | | | watched videos together (always preview videos |
| usually just Mom now), and said that he did not want | | | | before showing them to your children, some have |
| to be stolen. As the lump rose in my throat, giving him | | | | sections specifically for parents that may frighten |
| a hug and telling him that I was there to protect him | | | | children) and we would read different books at |
| was all I could do and was what he needed to fall | | | | different stages as they grew up. They wanted to |
| asleep. | | | | read the books and watch the videos repeatedly; |
| One of the hardest parts when dealing with the topic | | | | talking about it empowered them and gave them a |
| of lost and abducted children is that to really protect | | | | sense of security to feel that they have some control |
| your kids you have to talk to them and teach them | | | | in uncomfortable situations. |
| what they need to do and what to be aware of to | | | | I encourage you as a parent to be proactive in the |
| keep safe. I know as a Mom of three, bringing up the | | | | topic of personal safety, whether you talk about child |
| subject of what if with my own kids was hard every | | | | abduction, getting lost in the mall, cyber safety or being |
| time because I did not want to scare them, but I also | | | | bullied at school. Whatever the subject, keep the lines |
| knew that if I did not talk about it, they would not learn | | | | of conversation open and be prepared to talk with |
| what to do. | | | | your children when they bring up the subject, or use |
| It is imperative that you begin talking with your kids | | | | the methods above to get the conversation going and |
| when they are very young, starting as toddlers and | | | | let them know that you will always be there when |
| you must keep enforcing the subject of safety, as | | | | they have concerns or fears. |
| they get older. The degree of information is different | | | | There will always be moments, like the one my son |
| at every age but they must begin to think about | | | | had tonight, when fear overwhelms them a bit, but |
| personal safety when they are young. Children can get | | | | being there for your child during these moments and |
| this information through various sources and have it | | | | reassuring them that you are watching over them will |
| delivered to them in non-threatening, empowering | | | | calm their fears and give them the security they need |
| ways so they feel confident and safe in the world. If | | | | for a good nights sleep. |