Teach Your Child How to Prevent Being Abducted

Although very rare, child abduction is a real threat. Your child needs to be taught how to prevent being abducted in a positive way. Here are some very easy ways you can teach your child how to protect themselves from being abducted.

Steps

 * 1)  Understand a Child's Limits to Protect His or Her Self. Young children do not consistently have the ability to protect themselves against predators. It is very easy to overcome their fears. Children, by nature, are usually eager to have attention from anyone, and potential abductors know that. While you can practice safe habits, keep in mind it is you who is the best protection against abduction.
 * 2)  Teach Your Child to Stay With You. Don't let your child run wild in public areas. Stress to your child to stay next to you, and that he or she is within sight at all times.
 * 3)  Don't Leave Your Child in the Car or Stroller. It takes only a moment to take a child from a car seat or stroller.
 * 4)  Know Your Numbers. Be sure your child knows your phone number so if your child is lost, your child can be reunited with your family. Be aware to practice it often, and that under stress, a child might forget.
 * 5)  You're Not Just Mommy (or Daddy, or Grandpa, etc.). Be sure your older child knows your name.
 * 6)  Practice Telling an Adult Where You Are. A younger child might think just telling she's going outside to your general vicinity is "telling you." Be sure to emphasize that she needs a response from to in order to make it count.
 * 7)  Who Can You Turn To? Point out specific people who can help in a pinch if you're not immediately available: a store clerk, a police officer, or a mommy can offer assistance if they are lost or need assistance with anything.

Tips

 * Child abductions are relatively rare--most abductions are from close family members. Don't get overly focused on what is a very, very uncommon occurance.
 * Remember: If a child is in trouble, he or she may need to get help from strangers'.
 * Visit your police station, fire station, and other community helpers occasionally. A child will feel less scared if he or she meets some of these people up close.
 * Practice being separated from you (for older children). Make it a game. For instance, in the mall, pretend you're invisible, and ask your children what they'd do, and who they'd ask for help.

Warnings

 * Don't teach children "Don't talk to strangers." It's a confusing message---if you aren't supposed to talk to strangers, why do you talk to perfect strangers around you every day? It's better to focus on trusted adults as a means of keeping safe.

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