“Don’t talk to strangers”

“Do not talk to, and do not go anywhere with strangers” is a phrase that all parents tell their children. We all know from an early age that this is one of those rules that can’t be broken.

Unfortunately, kids do not understand why they aren’t allowed to get acquainted with adults. After all, we parents do this all the time, and we occasionally teach: “Be polite to your aunt,” “Say hello.” So why can’t you talk to “alien” adults when there is no mom or dad nearby?

It is important for children to explain rules - why it should be this way, and not otherwise. It is often more effective to give your child instructions for what to do, and not to prohibit anything. For example, instead of “don’t talk to and don’t go anywhere with strangers,” it’s important to explain to the child that this is dangerous, and to say that before talking to a stranger or going somewhere, you should always ask a trusted adult about it (whether it’s a parent, grandparent or teacher).

How to warn of danger

• Explain to your kid that there is no way to distinguish a dangerous stranger externally - it only happens in movies and cartoons that villains are immediately recognizable by clothing or by facial expression. This may not be a young man or woman, but an elderly person or even a child (children are also used to lure unsuspecting children).
• Explain that strangers never ask for help from children, nor will they offer to play with a dog or help a kitten. This is all a hoax.
• There’s no need to talk to a stranger. Teach your child to walk away from these situations, and if the stranger is persistent, scream and call for help.
• It is important to instill in your child the rule of always telling you (or another close adult) where they are and where they are going. Of course, your child will expect the same from you. It is especially important to know where you are to children three years of age. It’s best to begin practicing this rule around this age.
• Warn your child that a dangerous stranger may know their name and the names of their relatives, and this should not be the reason why your kid should go with a stranger. Tell your child not to succumb to persuasion and talk about each kind of attempt to trick them.
• Explain that a stranger is not only a person your kid’s never seen before. The danger can come from those who met your child one time, or even a neighbor, or the parent of a child who is usually at the park, and so on. It is important for your child to understand where the circle of those closest, and whom they can trust unconditionally ends.

Remember: no one should "whisper to" or touch your child. Any adult should ask you for permission to speak with them.

Yes, many adults are happy when they see young children, and they can talk to children or even hug them without any bad intentions. But it’s worth stopping such attempts and explaining to strangers (so that your child can hear it) that you taught your son or daughter the rules of safe behavior and do not allow strangers to invade their personal space. In addition, remember that most children are uncomfortable to have close contact with unfamiliar adults - when they are squeezed, they try to sit on their knees in vehicles, they talk with them in their "baby" language. If the child wants affection, they will receive it from a loved one.

Some rules may seem categorical. You may also have concerns that your behavior may not be approved by others. But think: you care about the safety of your child, and in this case you should not care about someone else's opinion.

Be attentive to your baby!