how do i teach my children who are 7yrs & 5 about talking to strangers is not okay?

Answer 1

The best way for them to learn is by experience...you can talk to prep them, but you need to take them out in public and be consistent and firm about enforcing what you told them at home.

When we took our kids on road trips, that was the best time to reinforce what we verbally taught at home...now they understand it better and do better when we're out.

Answer 2

That is something that is not enforced enough anymore. that is something that both parents and schools should still be teaching children. I remember learning about stranger danger when I was in school and my mother and father told me that I should be careful about talking to strangers and taking candy from them.

I notice how more and more kids will just come out and start talking to me, one child just came walking up to my car as I was getting in and started talking to me. I am a good person and a protective person and would never hurt anyone, but the idea is, that is a danger point, if I was a sicko I could've lifted that child up within a heartbeat and drove off with him

You need to really sit down with your children and talk to them about the real dangers. Let them know it's okay to talk to strangers that you approve of. Maybe get them books from the library and rent some videos for them.
Those had the most impact on me as a child.
Children are too sweet and trusting.

Answer 3

I would stop my children when they were in the act, or were about to talk to a stranger. I would tell them about "stranger danger" and how sometimes people who look nice might not be. I talked to them about inappropriate touching, and offers of candy or rides. And even of strangers asking them for help to find a lost puppy. There are books that also will help, and children's books that you can read to your kids. This is probably the single most important thing that you can do as a parent nowadays. There are so many crazy people out there that will hurt our children if we aren't careful, and aren't honest with and prepare our children.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Be honest with them as much as possible. Kids tend to beleive that everyone has their best interest at heart and are genuinely good, unless they've been through something that's been traumatic for them in dealing with an adult. I have told my 8 y/o that there are people out there who only want to take her from my husband and I and hurt her and kill her. Role play with them and then pray for their safety and protection, that's what I do. I trust God to keep them protected, yet I also have common sense enough to think about certain situations and to know when to say "no" to a request like walking to the store alone with a friend or such and such. It's a lilttle harder with my 5 and 3 y/o though, they are still at that stage where they trust anyone and would talk to anyone so they pretty much have to be supervised at all times. When they are old enough and have the mental capacity to understand what I'm telling them about people then we will go that route, but for right now I am responsible for their safety.

Answer 5

We talk to strangers all the time, and sometimes we need the help of strangers when we are in trouble. I have taught my children that they may talk politely with strangers, but they should never accept gifts, get in the car, search for a lost puppy, etc. I have also told them that if they get lost, they should look for a "mommy" to help them. A woman with children is the best stranger to ask for help from.

I read a story about a Cub Scout who stayed lost in the woods for much longer than he should because he hid from the rescue workers, who were "Strangers". We need to teach them to be smart about who to talk to.

Answer 6

I believe a big part of the problem is who children believe IS okay. I would recommend not saying that certain people or certain occupations are okay. For example, a child would usually not be able to tell the difference between a policeman and a security guard or someone dressed in another kind of uniform. Everyone is NOT okay and a potential threat to an unsuspecting child.

Good luck to you.

http://www.pollyklaas.org/

Answer 7

A great video is the "The Safe Side" by the baby einstein inventor and the missing kids program guy. I bought it at Borders for about $20, and my kids, ages 3 and 8 learned a lot. It's great - good info, but not to where it scares them to death!

Answer 8

mine are 3 going on 4 and 2 and always tell them about strangers. It's ok to talk when moms is with them, but not when I'm not with them. Strangers to them could mean family or relatives that we don't see often and could get confused. So you have to tell them carefully.

Answer 9

They have videos that are educational as well as fun for kids. America's Most Wanted has a website amw.com that you can go to to play games as well as teach. You also might want to explain some of the recent tragedies or children being abducted, raped, or killed. I know it is tough, but they need to know.

Answer 10

Let them know the things that can happen to them if they do. Decide on a password that ONLY they and you know. Tell them that if anyone ever approaches them, they have to ask the stranger for the password. If the stranger doesn't know it, tell them to just start running and yelling for help.