PARENTS GUIDE TO PROTECT THEIR CHILD

This was posted on my forum so I thought I would share.



Parents Guide

Children cannot look after themselves so we, the parents, have to.

The key to effectively teaching your children about safety is for you, the parent, to be educated. Your children look up to you as role models, the more you know, the safer your children will be.

We warn our children 'don`t talk to strangers', but still many children are abducted or exploited. The reason for this is partly down to the fact that 'predators are not always strangers', they can be a relative, a neighbour, a doctor, a dentist, a scout leader, even a policeman and so on.

How do you define a 'stranger'? Children think that they should stay away from someone who looks weird or in fancy dress. In reality children should be taught to stay away from certain situations rather than certain kinds of individuals.

Children can be raised to be polite and friendly, but to be assertive. Children also have the right to say 'no'. If someone asks them to do something they do not feel comfortable with, they can say 'No'.

Children can be taught from an early age to protect themselves and if this is taught correctly in a matter-of-fact way, so they do not become scared.

Child abduction is a scary thing, it is hard to teach an innocent child about things so terrible, but it is much better to teach them to be safe than be a victim.

It is a parent`s obligation to teach a child to be safe and to arm them with the neccessary information.

Tips For Parents

1. Most children who are abducted are in a situation where there is no parental supervision. There is not always safety in numbers. If you are not in a position to watch your children make them wait until you are.

2.Teach your children that they need to always ask for your permission before leaving your home, a friend's home, accepting gifts or money, rides etc. Even when they are with a friend or relative have them call you and ask for permission to leave or accept food. If they practice good habits in everyday life they are more likely to have good habits that will prevent them from falling for a lure.

3. It is amazing how many parents do not have current photographs of their children. If someone takes your child out without you, make sure they also have a photograph with them. Also keep an accurate description and photograph in a safe, accessible place. Update at least every six months (or more often if necessary).

4. Know your child's friends. Who are their parents? Where do they live? Know names,phone numbers and addresses.

5. Make it clear to your child whose homes they are allowed to go into and play.

6.Teach your child their home phone number and area code. Teach them their address, including street, town, state/county and country.

7. Show your child how to dial the number for the Police and the Operator. Practice if possible.

8. Know where your child is at all times.

9. Don`t let your child go into a public restroom alone. Go into the restroom with them.
Stores will gladly make sure a restroom of the opposite sex is clear so you can take your child inside.

10. Do not leave your child alone in the car, not even for one minute. Not only is this a health hazard, but it is an open invitation for someone to take your child.

11. Do not put your child's name (first or last) on clothing, hats, backpacks, toys etc. A child responds to their name and a person using that name will automatically not be thought of as a stranger. Some schools insist on this, see if if there is a way round this.

12. Do not leave your child wondering in the toy section of a store or alone in a mall/shopping centre. If they do get lost or bothered have them go to a cashier for help.

13. Teach your child not to take anything (money, toys, etc.)from anyone without asking your permission first. Remember, predators are not always strangers, so they need to always get your permission. Someone with good intentions will not mind you knowing about their gift.

14. If your child has to walk to and from school practice with them. Show them the route they should take and how to walk safely.

15. Listen when your child tells you that they don't want to be with someone. Find out why.

16. Notice if someone is paying undue attention to your child.

17. Encourage parent-child communication without being judgmental or critical. Make yourself available to your child. If you don't, they may not come to you when they need help.

18. Never belittle any fear your child has, real or imaginary.

19. Never force your child to hug or kiss a relative or friend if they don't want to.

20. Practice good habits. Call when you will be late; let your kids know where you are.

PERSONAL INFORMATION TO KEEP ON FILE:

The following information should be kept current and in a safe place:

1. Child's full name
2. Nicknames
3. National Insurance Number/Social Security Number
4. Place of birth
5. Date of birth
6. Height
7. Weight
8. Hair color & style
9. Eye color
10. Glasses or contacts
11. Birthmarks, scars, tattoos & piercings
12. Broken bones
13. Braces or other dental work
14. Any other distinguishing features
15. Clothing and shoe size
16. Favorite hangouts
17. Names, addresses and numbers of friends
18. CURRENT PHOTOGRAPH

-This information should be kept current and in a safe, accessible place.

-Always have a current photo of your child on hand. If your child is under age 7, update the photograph twice a year. If your child is over age 7, update the photograph annually.

-Have your child fingerprinted annually between the ages of 2-7.

-Include a few strands of hair, with roots, for DNA samples



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