When it comes to our children's safety regarding strangers I am probably a little too overprotective. Maybe more for my 7 year old than the other younger ones because she is pretty (bias) and outgoing. My 4 year old and my baby girl are hardly ever alone and without my protection, so I relax with them. I have read alot on how to teach my children the ways of strangers. Here is some useful information on the topic.

TRUST

Trust is a tricky concept, I think, for a child to understand. Of course, they come into this world trusting their caretakers completely. Then there comes a time when they are introduced to many other people who are kind to them. Children need to be taught who will be trustworthy and who will not.

For Your Children: (UNITED CHILDREN'S FUND)

When you trust someone you feel safe with them. You trust them to take care of youand always keep you safe. Someone you trust would never put you in danger or harm you. People you trust are adults called Trusted Adults. They always want what is best for you. Many Trusted Adults can also be called Safety Friends. You may not know your Safety Friends very well, like the law enforcement officer, firefighter, doctor, or nurse. They protect us and keep us safe. You can go to them if you need help.

Most people are not dangerous and will not try to hurt you. Know who the Trusted Adults are that it is safe to go with. Select a family code word that cannot be guessed, such as "puppy dog". Never go with anyone who does not know the code word. Only you, your parents, and the person who has been asked by your parents to pick you up should know the code word. Pick a new code word from time to time.

A stranger is someone who:
1. A person you and your parents do not know.
2. A person whose name you do no know.
3. Someone you have never seen before.
4. A person you may have seen before but do not know well or someone your parents do not know.

If someone you do not know (a stranger) asks you for help or directions:
1. Politely say that you cannot help them
2. Stay a safe distance away from them or the car they are in.
3. Get away fast!
4. Never leave with someone you do not know who does not know your code word.
5. Report any person who keeps bothering you to a Trusted Adult.

A Dangerous person may be:
1. A man, woman, boy or girl.
2. Big, small, old or young.
3. Someone who pretends to be nice.

Report anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable or anyone who asks you to keep a "secret" from your parents. Tell your parents or another Trusted Adult right away!