at what age should a parent talk to their children about predators?

Question

and how? my daughter is 3yrs old but I dont know where to start or how to bring it up, I cant find the right words

Answer 1

You don't need to tell her about predators, be preventative instead. My kids are always being told to only talk to people if Mommy is with them, if they can't see me they are too far away, etc. Keep them close to keep them safe. Learn to spot predators yourself and steer clear. Safety measures should be part of your everyday life, not a once off sit down talk. Teach her to speak up and say no. If she tells you "no" or "stop" when tickling, chasing, playing, etc. then respect her wishes, she will learn that adults should respect her wishes as well as the other way around.

Answer 2

My daughter is 8 now and we have been having these talks since she was about 3-4. I just constantly reminder her (in a non-threatening way) that if anyone approaches you and tries to offer you something (candy, puppy, etc.) or tells you that mommy sent them don't believe them. Some people suggest you set up a code word or phrase so that they know you sent them, but when she was young my instructions were always to yell (something like "stranger!! stranger!!") and RUN. I also used to roll play alot. I'd pretend I was someone else and come up with all sorts of scenarios almost like a game, so she could practice her responses while not becoming paranoid. Also, let her know that sometimes even people she may recognize could be dangerous too (but that may have to wait until she is a little older to fully understand). I hope this helps in some small way...Be Blessed!!

Answer 3

NOW is the time and especially if she owns a computer like you there are a lot of harmful things on the computer. But just be aware of her surroundings and where abouts because you don't wanna go filling her head with things she hasn't even thought of yet just to protect your sense of security as a parent. Find an active date for the two of you and find out what she thinks about people in general and follow your heart. Trust me you will be nurtured with the right things to say. She's not 12 anymore now she has to be accountable for her on actions and what YOU'VE taught her. Is she really ready for the real world?

Answer 4

I think as soon as they are old enough to comprehend the difference between a friend and a stranger. I honestly think that I started explaining this to my children around the age of 3 1/2 - 4.

Answer 5

I have made it a point to teach my kids early. I work in law enforcement along with my whole family so my kids have been exposed to stories since birth.
Since my kids have been old enough to "wash" themselves I have told them that that is their private area and no one should ever touch it except a doctor when mommy and daddy are present.
I have also explained to them what to do if a stranger tries to take them and we rehearse it about once a month. They know that it is not safe for them to be alone out front or to lose me at a store or park.
I know I might sound strange, but start early, and practice what to do if it does happen. You would be amazed at how many sick people are really out there.
By the way my kids are 4.

Answer 6

It's never to early to start discussing 'predators' with your children. How I think should depend on your childs personality. You don't want to give them a paranoia about people in general, but you do want them to be aware of those around them, and the possiblities of someone doing harm to them. I started talking to my kids when they were about 3 yrs. Teach them first about the proper names for their genitiles, and about how no one should go into the 'bathing suit zone', basically anything their bathing suit covers. Then go from there, I've told my kids, who are know 8 and 12...any kind of touching that makes them feel uncomfortable in any way, tell the person to stop, leave the situation, and tell. Hope that's helpful.

Answer 7

Wait til atleast shes at an age where she comprehends what a predator is, how to avoid one, and can remember the things you are telling her. My mother first brought up strangers and predators when i was around 5 i believe. When the time comes, you will know, and it will come out naturally, no need to rush and worry about it yet keep her close to you and make sure nothing happens, thats your job :)

Answer 8

I would say around school age about 5, because younger kids won't understand, you can teach your child about things like not taking candy from a stranger at a young age. Small children even younger than two many times undertand what their parents are saying but still need to be told over and over till they understand.

Kids even babies know when someone touches them where they shouldn't, they sense it, just reinforce it, by saying something like if any one touches you in your special area please let mommy know, or whatever. Make sure they understand when they can talk where those are, have them pont them out.

Answer 9

From the time a child can totter off from a parent in a store or elsewhere they should be warned about talking to or going with strangers and to scream bloody murder if anyone tries to take them. The reason does not need to be explained at this age, just do it.

Answer 10

The time to talk to them is the FIRST TIME they approach a stranger!!! You can't trust ANYone these days! Even women can be predatory...kids get stolen all the time by women who can't have kids (read the news).

Don't be harsh about it unless it keeps happening. Just tell your daughter gently that she cannot talk to strangers and tell the person you'd appreciate them not speaking to your child and then WALK AWAY.