We have all told our children, “don’t talk to strangers.”  It is good advice but not necessarily the only thing you should teach your child.   According  to  the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) children are more often harmed by someone they know, a relative, family friend, neighbor or other familiar adult—not a stranger.

So what is a mom to do?  We, at amberalertgps.com, would suggest that you teach your children how to watch for situations rather than individuals.  They should be taught from an early age that they

•    should trust their feelings.
•    have the right to say no to what they sense is wrong.
•    should not keep secrets from their parents.

Children can be raised to be polite and friendly, but they should know that it is all right to be suspicious of any adult asking for assistance. Those who might harm our children often seek to make contact in an unassuming way, “help me find my puppy?”  “Do you know where so and so lives?”   etc..  Your child should know that if anyone approaches them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable they should tell you immediately.  These simple things will make you feel better and help you raise confident and secure children.

I hope this helps!

Julia Howard
www.amberalertgps.com