There are many decisions that you will be making as your child ages regarding just how much you are going to allow them to go off on their own. Don't fall into the trap of "Johnny's mom let's him go there alone" it is your comfort zone that is important not what other parents allow. I felt that there was safety in numbers so if two or more were going together I was more comfortable about them leaving. If their destination was fairly close that also made me feel more comfortable. If they could call me when they arrived at their destination that was a plus.
Have the discussions about not approaching cars when people request directions or ask them questions. Never ever go with anyone that they do not know no matter what that person might tell them. There have been so many ruses used to lure children away. What if someone says they lost their dog and need your help, what would you do? Or their cat? Or they have a batch of kittens that need homes in their car, would you like to see them? Ask your children questions, find out how they think and reason. What would you do if...?
Give them permission to drop their backpack, instrument, or whatever might hold them back if they feel they need to run from someone. If there are two or more of them together and someone is trying to grab one of them; tell them to grab tightly on to each other and drop to the ground. If I allowed a couple kids to go somewhere I would make sure to tell them to stick together. Don't be running away from each other and goofing around. Stay together, you leave together, and you return together. Tell them to yell FIRE no matter what the situation because someone will always call the fire department before answering a call for HELP.
Even if a person were to have a gun or knife, they need to be told not to go with that person. That person that wants to go to a second location has a lot worse things in mind than killing them. They fight, scream, kick, bite, go for their attackers eyes... whatever it takes but don't just go with the person. Most likely that person will find the fight too much and leave them be. They want someone docile and unprepared to defend their self properly.
Girls and women need to know that if they are driving and pulled over by an unmarked police car they are entitled to refuse to go with them. They can request that a marked police car can be sent for them. Or follow the police car to the nearest busy location or police station. There are people constantly coming up with new ways to fool someone into going with them. If the situation is real they will understand and take your concerns into consideration. We should not have to fear a police officer. The same for someone trying to enter your house claiming to be someone official. Call the company, call the police, but whatever you do, don't just let them in your home.
Although many of us want to be the good Samaritan, if the situation seems in anyway odd beware of getting taken in by a ruse. Offer to go to the nearest business for help or tell them you will call 911 but don't get closer to that person and allow them to get control of you. If their are others around call out to them that someone is in need of assistance. Once again there is safety in numbers. If the situation is real, you will be doing the correct thing anyway.
Even when they are teens and walking somewhere they should know not to be texting or talking on the phone but should be paying attention to their surroundings.If they are listening to music they should only have one earphone in so they can hear what is going on around them. Most victims are caught off guard because they are not aware of what is happening around them. They are chosen because they are not paying attention. They even tell women to get their keys out prior to leaving a store especially at night so they are not digging in their purse. They should be walking head held high looking around as they walk to their vehicle.
If your child is going home to an empty house tell them not to advertise this fact. Also, make sure that they know if something looks wrong that they should not go in the house but go to a safe neighbor for help. Sometimes first instinct is to rush in and check on things when it is possible that someone could still be in the house. If they are home alone and someone were to come to the door they should not answer it. If they answer it, then someone knows they are by themselves. If someone were to break in while they are home alone, if they can leave the house they should and run to the safe neighbor. If not, they should lock themselves in a room where they can call 911.
If your child expresses to you that they do not want to go home alone, do your best to respect their feelings. If they are not feeling comfortable, they also may not be mature enough to handle an emergency. There might be an elderly neighbor nearby that would appreciate the company, or a stay at home mom that might be willing to have them over until you return home.
You have to feel comfortable with your own child's maturity level and what you think they should be allowed to do. Giving them tips on being street smart and aware of their instincts and surroundings could possibly save their life. The point is not to make them afraid but give them ideas on how to handle dangerous situations. Ask your children questions, make them think, tell them scenarios, and communicate possible solutions.
No comments:
Post a Comment