This is a topic that can be hard to read and think about, but is also absolutely necessary talk about in our families.
Children are so sweet and innocent and trusting.
It's so important to teach our children about these dangers and how even family and friends can be "tricky" people, and what is appropriate and what isn't, and that there are people out there who hurt children. But it's also equally important to make sure our children aren't living in fear from this, and that they are smart and prepared and confident.
I have a friend who was at the playground a little while ago and there were many kids there and suddenly a single man started talking with her kids. She was distracted with her newborn baby, but sensed something was off. She kept an eye on the guy and it became clear he was not there with anyone, and he was also continuing to try to play with her kids. She approached him, told him she was not comfortable with him being around her kids and as he left she called the cops. They didn't find him, but they told her she did the right thing. He probably picked out her kids because she was distracted by taking care of her baby.
I have numerous friends who have reported men and women stalking kids as they are at school or walk home from school.
I know even more people who have been harmed or have kids who have been harmed by people in their own family and friend network. People the children trust.
Even more.
It's sickening.
But it's so important to talk with our children and teach them, and not just once, but multiple times as they grow. It's hard to think of a place to start when teaching this to our kids, especially when different ages and kids learn in different ways, but I have found some links that I think have good advice and suggestions. And of course, the most important source of guidance and protection is prayer. :)
Prepared Not Scared
Children are so sweet and innocent and trusting.
It's so important to teach our children about these dangers and how even family and friends can be "tricky" people, and what is appropriate and what isn't, and that there are people out there who hurt children. But it's also equally important to make sure our children aren't living in fear from this, and that they are smart and prepared and confident.
I have a friend who was at the playground a little while ago and there were many kids there and suddenly a single man started talking with her kids. She was distracted with her newborn baby, but sensed something was off. She kept an eye on the guy and it became clear he was not there with anyone, and he was also continuing to try to play with her kids. She approached him, told him she was not comfortable with him being around her kids and as he left she called the cops. They didn't find him, but they told her she did the right thing. He probably picked out her kids because she was distracted by taking care of her baby.
I have numerous friends who have reported men and women stalking kids as they are at school or walk home from school.
I know even more people who have been harmed or have kids who have been harmed by people in their own family and friend network. People the children trust.
Even more.
It's sickening.
But it's so important to talk with our children and teach them, and not just once, but multiple times as they grow. It's hard to think of a place to start when teaching this to our kids, especially when different ages and kids learn in different ways, but I have found some links that I think have good advice and suggestions. And of course, the most important source of guidance and protection is prayer. :)
Prepared Not Scared
Thank you for these sources.
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard to strike the right balance. Thank you for these reminders. Not sure how I found your blog, but I am excited to read more!
Totally pinned this and I hope it gets repinned a lot. It's a scary world out there and it's so important to educate our kiddos. Awhile back I read about "tricky people" and it makes so much sense. Not all strangers are scary - they're "nice" and sneaky. Anyway, thanks for sharing!! Definitely keeping this list as a refresher!
ReplyDeleteI hate that we live in a world where we have to be so careful! Thank you for the resources!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the links! This is something I need to start talking with my girls about!
ReplyDelete