Protecting Children at the Park

Children love parks, and so do predators. The first thing to do is to talk with your child about what a stranger is and how to respond if one approaches her. This way, she'll be on her guard if anything happens to you. Tell her strangers aren't just scary-looking people. They might be young and good-looking. They might be really nice. Let her know that predators use lots of different ploys to get a child to go with them, especially clever ones, like asking the child to look for their puppy or kitty or help carry groceries to the car. Sometimes they say they'll give the child candy or toys if the she goes with them. There are even predators that will say that the child's parents don't love them anymore, are sick, injured, or dead, or that the child's mother or father has sent them.

Have a secret family password that your child can use to identify whether someone has been sent by you to retrieve him. Make it one that is memorable for your child but don't make it easy to guess (like the dog's name, which gets yelled out a lot in public).

Teach your child to say "no" and know that she doesn't need to let adults touch her. Her body is her own, and she must know that it deserves respect at all times, from everyone. Not all adults have the right to tell her what to do, either. Practice with her so she feels comfortable saying "no" when it's time to do it for real.

Never leave your child alone in public, not even for a few seconds. It doesn't take long for a predator to ensnare your child. Know where your child is at all times, and know who his friends are, who their parents are, where they live, and what their phone numbers are. Be aware of who is in the area where your child is playing. Stay close enough that you can quickly get to your child if you need to do so.

And avoid dressing your child in clothing that displays her name. She might not realize that someone who knows her name isn't necessarily a friend. And while we're on the subject of clothing, make sure you take note of what she's wearing every day.

Help your child know of "safe places" to run if he's being followed or approached, even if it's for directions. Walk there with him often and via different routes so he knows the way well and won't get cut off from the only way he knows to go.

You may wish to get your child a cell phone for emergency purposes. Teach your child to call 911 if there is an emergency. If you don't want to go the cell phone route, teach your child how to call 911 on a payphone or at the "safe place."

Lastly, teach your child that, if she is attacked, she must not go willingly. Tell her to make noise and fight as much as she can to get away.

Your child is precious to you, so make sure he and you are both educated.