Moms of toddlers/pre-schoolers & up...Stranger talk..

I have been trying to speak to my DS about stranger danger (he's 3.5) without scaring the daylights out of him

I also have been speaking to him about what to do if he ever became seperated from me ( find a police-man, or another mommy with a child, person who works at the store etc..)

Then I realized that I am probably confusing the heck out of him by telling him not to go with strangers and at the same time, telling him that if he ever gets lost from me to find another "approved" adult

Is there a certain way to approach these two topics effectively at his age ?

We do role play and the 1st time we did ( before my little chat with him) I had asked him what he would do if a man/lady that he didn't know asked him if he wanted to see their puppy in their car....And he tells me he would say
"Thank You !" ...Thats when I knew it was time...I just don't want him to be paranoid around strangers when I am there - KWIM ??

Re: Moms of toddlers/pre-schoolers & up...Stranger talk..

Everything I have read says to teach them to find an adult female or family to help them. Make sure they know their name, your names, address and phone number. I also teach my son if someone tries to take him to scream "your not my mommy or daddy" as far as what to do about going in a car I havent discussed that yet.

Re: Moms of toddlers/pre-schoolers & up...Stranger talk..

Yes, thats what I've taught him to yell also "No- your not my mommy/daddy" and run...

I also saw a video that teaches children, specifically if they are riding their bike- to wrap themselves around or not let go of their bicycle, ride on toy etc...because it is too much work for an
offender to take a child into a car that is holding onto something ...

I really hate having to think of these things, but they're so important !

Re: Moms of toddlers/pre-schoolers & up...Stranger talk..

As far as the stranger vs. mommy or person of authority, I would tell him to look for someone with a name tag or a uniform (explain what type of uniform - you don't want him just going up to anyone!) of the place you are visiting. Make it a game each time you go somewhere new. Also, tell him to look for a mommy who is with her children. Some kids assume all grown women are mommies.

Re: Moms of toddlers/pre-schoolers & up...Stranger talk..

Re: Moms of toddlers/pre-schoolers & up...Stranger talk..

I like the making it a game idea