Strangers

Teaching your child about strangers can seem a difficult task.  You don’t want to create anxiety in them, but you want them to be aware of strangers and to be cautious.  Here’s a way you can teach this lesson, according to Stephen Bavolek, author of the Nurturing Parenting Program:

·       Take time to discuss what a stranger is.   Is it someone you know or someone you don’t know?

·       Discuss why we should be concerned about strangers.

·       Discuss what could happen if you talk to a stranger.

·       Ask questions and allow children to answer.  Also allow them to ask questions.

Examples might be:

Ø Have you ever been afraid of a stranger?

Ø Has a stranger ever helped you in some way?

Ø Is it okay to ask a stranger for help?  (Explain that only police, teachers, doctors, etc. may be asked.)

Ø Are there good or bad strangers?  What makes them different?

·       Give scenarios of what they should do in certain circumstances.

Reference:

Bavolek, Stephen.  (2007).  Nurturing Skills For Families.  Ashville, NC:  Family Development Resources, Inc.