A Need to Teach Your Children to Stay Safe in the Event of...

In today's society, I think that each of us needs to teach our children how to stay safe in the event of a home break in, school shooting, abduction, etc.  Sadly the world that they are growing up in seems to be more dangerous than the world we grew up in.  Some may argue that this is due to better reporting rather than an actually increase, but I think the dangers facing our children are on the increase. 

I will be addressing some of the dangers that your child may be faced with and what to teach them to do in this series on "Keeping Your Child Safe".  I will be giving you practical ideas to practice with your child about what to do when they find themselves in a bad situation.  Some parents may think that this will scare their children, but I like to think of it as preparing children.  If you think this will scare your child, consider the way that you present the information.  Take time to calmly explain to them that it is highly unlikely that this will happen to them but "arming" them with what to do in these events may build their confidence in handle other situations in their lives as well as provide some quality time for you and your child.

Teaching Your Child How to Survive an Abduction

In light of the remarkable actions of the nine year old girl, Calysta Cordova, who had been abducted in Colorado, I wanted to share with you some information that I feel is vital to teach our children to help them survive an abduction.  I wish that not a single child had to use these skills, but that is not a realistic view.  My motto for children is better safe than sorry.

Some things to teach your child to do if someone is trying to kidnap them:  1) they should always fight, don't go willingly, 2) Run in the opposite direction the car that is trying to take you is facing because they will have to turn the car completely around to pursue you, 3) yell out "this is not my mom or dad", and 4)draw attention to yourself and your situation for example if you are in a store knock things off the shelves.

Visit LiveSecure.org for additional advice on helping your child survive an abduction and come home safely to you just like the Colorado nine year old.

Leaving Your Young Child in a Car Alone is NEVER a Good Idea!!

Although this may not be the whole story in the Sky Metalwala abduction but it does leave me thinking that I should address the thought of leaving your young child alone in a car. I am going on record right here and now to say that leaving your young child alone in a car is NEVER a good idea. If you start thinking that it is only going to be for a few minutes, they'll get really cranky if I wake them up or that it is going to be too difficult dragging the child around then you should rethink you plans.

The Department of Justice estimates that there are approximately 12,000 non-family child abduction a year. They also report that approximately 37% of these abduction are done by a stranger. Don't give a potential kidnapper the opportunity to take your child. Take your child with you eventhough it seems really inconvienient or plan on running your errand at another time.