Is Your Child Streetwise?

What would your daughter do if a friendly stranger offered her a ride home from school, or your son, if a friend dared him to drink some beer? As a parent you would hope that they would know right from wrong, but that is not always the case. Children possess a natural ability to trust people; teaching them that they must exercise caution can be a difficult task.

A child should know his full name, address, and phone number, including area code before being sent off to kindergarten. He should also know how to dial 9-1-1 or "0" in case of an emergency, and knowing how to use a public phone could only help him in an emergency situation. Teach your child that although it is not okay to talk to strangers, it is okay to go to a police officer, security guard, or store clerk if he needs help.

Your child should know that it is never okay to accept rides or gifts from someone that he does not know. Tell him to stay away from any strangers that may be lurking around playgrounds, public restrooms, and schools. He should always walk and play with friends, never by himself. He should never enter an area that could be dangerous- alleys, vacant buildings, etc.

Take the time to listen to your child's fears about people and places that scare him or make him feel uneasy. Teach your child to trust his instincts. Make sure that your child is taking the safest routes to and from school; walk the route together and point out places that he could go for help. Persuade your child to notify an adult if anything does not seem quite right.

If your child has to be home alone after school, make sure that he notifies you or a neighbor when he gets home. Leave a phone number where you can be reached, along with numbers for neighbors and emergencies including police, fire, paramedics, and the poison control center. Make sure your child knows the escape plan for fire and other emergencies.

Make sure your child knows that it is not alright to let anyone in the house, and never to let a caller at the door or on the phone know that there is not an adult at home. Teach him to say that his parents are busy and take a message.

Let your child know that it is unacceptable for anyone to touch him in a way that feels uncomfortable; they should leave the area immediately and tell a trusted adult. If your child has been abused, report it to the police or child protection agency immediately.

Always know where your child is and whom he is with. If your child is the victim of any type of crime, be supportive. Do not blame him, just listen and offer sympathy.