Angelica was a smart kid. Her parents had taught her well. They told her that if she was ever lost to go to an authority figure, like a policewoman or man, and give them her name, address and phone number.
During a crowded festival in a large city, that valuable teaching came in handy. Anjelica or Jelly, age 4, became separated from her parents and immediately found a police officer and gave him the details of who she was. The police took her to the station. A couple of hours later she was reunited with her family.
Many children who have not been taught what to do if lost, go into a panic and began to wander around, in tears not speaking to anyone.
They are very vulnerable at that time for someone who may want to harm them, someone who may lie and tell them that they know where their parents are.
We can also write the name addresses and phone number and tape it to a child’s clothing, especially the very small children.
What to say
If a stranger grabs your child, do they know what to say?
Most kids don’t.
Most kids would just start yelling and saying “No!” Onlookers usually think that a yelling child is being obstinate with their own parent!
The correct thing for a child to say if a stranger grabs them is to say,
“This is not my mother! Help!”
“This is not my father! Call the police!”
“These are not my parents! Help!””
When a child says any of the above most onlookers will take notice and reach out to help quickly.
We can rehearse these scenarios with our children and grandchildren to keep them safe.
Copyright 2007
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