I just had a conversation with a friend the other day about how times have changed and how it didn’t seem that there were as many sexual predators and pedophiles when we were children.  I’m sure it seems that way because we weren’t paying attention.  However, the point is that we were able to go outside without parental supervision and without parents having to worry about anyone kidnapping us as young children.
Back then, people in your neighborhood were so close that your parents trusted them to keep an eye on you without having to ask.  If you did something wrong as a kid, you better believe they were willing and able to discipline you.  If you were a latch-key kid and needed something, you could always go to the neighbor without a second thought.  Today, I’m afraid for my son to go anywhere without me.
Once I had a child, I became more aware of my surroundings.  I began checking the sexual predator logs online to see how many were in my immediate vicinity.  Much to my surprise, there were quite a few.  I almost had a stroke when it came time to choose babysitters and daycare providers.  I quickly learned a hard lesson - just because you can’t find anything horrible in a person’s criminal record does not mean that they are not a horrible person!   After my first few experiences, it was clear that I needed a good, Christian environment for my child.  (Thank you, Pastor Allen Harris Ph. D., for running such a wonderful program!)  
I know some of you are thinking not all Christians are good Christians and you are absolutely correct!  I just happened to find one of the best.  But let me stay on track...
We need to teach our children what to do if they are ever approached by a predator.  It’s unfortunate, but it’s realistic.  Here are a few tips from an article that I read today.


10 safety tips every child should know

  • Do not get into any car unless your parents personally tell you to do so. Also, stay away from anyone who follows you on foot or in a car. You do not need and should not go near a car to talk to the people inside. 
  • Adults and other people who need help should not be asking a child for help; they should be asking other adults. Adults should not be asking you for directions or to look for a “lost puppy,” or telling you that your mother or father is in trouble and that they will take you to them. 
  • Quickly get away from anyone who tries to take you somewhere. Yell or scream, “This person is not my father (or mother).” 
  • You should use the “buddy system” and never go places alone. Always ask your parents’ permission to leave the yard/play area or to go over to someone’s home, and especially always ask permission before you go into someone’s home. 
  • Never, never hitchhike! Do not try to get a ride with people unless your parents have told you it’s OK to do so. 
  • People should not ask you to keep a special secret. If they do, tell your parents or teacher. Also, tell anyone who wants to take your picture, “No,” and quickly tell your parents or teacher. 
  • No one should touch you on the parts of the body covered by your bathing suit, nor should you touch anyone else in those areas. Your body is special and private. 
  • You can be assertive and you have the right to say “No” to someone, including adults and even relatives or friends who try to take you somewhere against your will, touch you or make you feel uncomfortable in ANY WAY. 
  • NOTE: Many parents use a special code word that only the child knows to convey a message should someone other than a parent ask a child to accompany them anywhere. 
  • THE YELL: Practice a “special” yell. It is low, loud and long. It tells the person trying to hurt the child, “I know what to do! I’m not an easy victim!” It tells everyone within the sound of the child’s voice, “I need help!” It gets the child going, it breaks the “spell.” A child should not panic and freeze, thereby becoming immobile in an emergency. When you yell you take a deep breath, thereby getting oxygen and energy to your brain and muscles. Your own yell can give you courage and get your feet moving when you need to run away!
This is definitely an article that all parent of small children should read.  My parents taught me a lot of these things, but there were many on this list that they did not teach me.  There are more tips inside the article.
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