Gift of Life Childcare Centre

Sad reality. Let's start the conversation and protect our Angels....

*Stranger Danger*

*Taken from Anxious Toddlers*
*(Researched Compiled by the Mayville Community Police Forum)*

Stranger abductions are rare. Your children are much more likely to be abused by someone they know.

That’s why teaching stranger danger simply doesn’t cut it. Tell your children that no one should hurt them or touch their private parts – even people they know.

Your children are much more likely to be sexually abused than abducted and more often than not – by someone you have deemed safe.
Teach your child to notice the warning signs of sexual abuse.
Learn how to spot when someone is grooming your child for abuse.

*>> THROW OUT YOUR CHILD’S PERSONALIZED BACKPACKS, BARRETTES AND LUNCH BOXES*

When strangers know your child’s name – your child is much more likely to trust them.

Don’t make it easy for a stranger by plastering your children’s names all over their bodies.

Every morning as I drive my kids to school, I see these two very young girls walking to school on their own. From down the street I can make out both of their glittery names on their backpacks.

*>> HAVING A CODE WORD IS USEFUL IN MANY SCENARIOS*

Make up a family code word. Try not to use a common word – but don’t pick something that is so bizarre it is hard to use naturally. You can use the code word in the following ways:

If you send someone to pick up your child – they should know the code word. As I talked about earlier, our kids are more likely to be sexually abused by someone they know. If the person doesn’t know the code word – your children shouldn’t go with them. No matter what.

If your children are at a friend’s house and something is making them feel unsafe, they can call you and use the code word.

If you are in public and there is a safety threat – you can use the word to warn your children to exit quickly or get down.

First the obvious. Tell your child that anyone your child doesn’t know – is a stranger. Ask them what they think a stranger looks like and then correct any misperceptions. Children often think a person is only unsafe if they have a rough appearance. Telling kids simply to not talk to strangers doesn’t help.

It is more important to highlight that no matter what a stranger says, they should never leave or get into a car with them. Role play these ideas with your kids. Use various scenarios to test your kids.

Teach your kids to trust their gut instincts . Teach yourself how to assess the safety around you and develop your own effective gut instinct . The absolute best book on this subject is Protecting the Gift – every parent should read this!

Now for the less obvious suggestions…


*>> IF FOLLOWED, RUN IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF THE CAR*

Tell your children that if they are being followed or chased start running in the opposite direction of the car. This can buy them some time as the car turns around.

*>> WHEN IN TROUBLE – LOOK FOR A MOM WITH KIDS*

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Tell your children that if they are lost or are feeling unsafe – find a mom with kids. Often a police officer or a friendly shop clerk are not at your children’s disposal.

Helping them delineate who might be safe beforehand can save critical seconds when they are in danger.

*>> TEACH YOUR CHILDREN TO SCREAM, “WHO ARE YOU?”*

How many times have you seen kids struggling in an adult’s arms and walked past them? Kids have tantrums all the time and we are immune to them.

Teach your children to scream out things that would alarm others.

Some good ones might be:
Who are you? Help!
Leave me alone! I don’t know you!
Where’s my mom and dad? Help!


*>> TEACH YOUR KIDS TO BE DESTRUCTIVE IN ORDER TO DRAW ATTENTION*

Tell your children that if a stranger tries to take them – all manners are out the window. Tell them that they are allowed to hit, scream and make a scene.

Give them some suggestions. If they are in a store, tell them to knock things off the shelf. Knocking things over will get the attention of more people who will then take a closer look at what is going on.

You might think all this talk about doom and gloom is unnecessary. You might think that the chances are so small it isn’t even worth talking about.

You are right. The chances are small. And perhaps it isn’t worth talking about.

But, what I can teach my kids in 30 minutes – might make the difference between life and death. And for that – it’s worth it.

Gift of Life Childcare Centre , is a Christian, Bible based, baby care and preschool in Fourways.We are a professional care and learning facility with a day mother feel.

Please WhatsApp
072 232 9467 or email [email protected]
for more information.

Gift of Life Childcare Centre , is a Christian, Bible based, baby care and pre school in Fourways.We celebrate the "Gift of Life" and believe that each child is special and uniquely gifted.

Please WhatsApp
072 232 9467 or email [email protected]
for more information.

Gift of Life Childcare Centre , is a Christian, Bible based, baby care and pre school in Fourways.We are a professional care and learning facility with a day mother feel.

Please WhatsApp
072 232 9467 or email [email protected]
for more information.

Gift of Life Childcare Centre is offering: Holiday Care (0 - 10years)
25 June - 16 July 2018

Full day 06h00 - 18h00
@ R130 per day
(Inclusive of Snacks, Meals, Loads of Love and Fun Activities)

Holiday Care (0 - 10years)
25 June - 16 July 2018

Full day 06h00 - 18h00
@ R130 per day
(Inclusive of Snacks, Meals, Loads of Love and Fun Activities)