Moms Talk: Have Taught Your Children About Strangers?

Each week in Moms Talk, the Haverford-Havertown Patch’s Moms Council of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions.

So grab a cup of coffee and settle in as we start the conversation today with a question: How To Teach Your Kids About Strangers?

Answer from Mom’s Councilmember Denise (mother of 1): No matter what you teach your child about strangers, you never know what they will actually do if this situation occurs.  I recently had an experience where my child got into a stranger's car thinking that this person could help her, even though I have told her repeatedly never to do that.  This was definitely a scary experience, but hopefully we both will learn from it.  I know parents try not to scare their children, but your child needs to understand that people can be dangerous and you should not trust anyone, no matter what they tell you. 

Most children learn about this in school and from their parents, but I would recommend getting a video from your local library that shows them different scenarios and then explain to them what the consequences could be if they are lured into the arms of a dangerous individual.

Answer from Mom’s Councilmember Emily (mother of 2): The scenario of your child getting into a stranger's car strikes fear in every parent's heart.  We tell our daughter to never get into a car with anyone she does not know, no matter what that person is saying to her.  It might be a good idea to do some "role-playing" to see her response.  Also, we've told her if she gets lost or separated from us to find a mom with kids and ask for help.  She's still young so mostly in our confines but this is a good topic to keep drilling as kids get older and more independent.

Answer from Mom’s Councilmember Julie (mother of 3): I have discussed the dangers of talking to strangers with my children many times. We have also reviewed who is a stranger and who is safe to talk to if you don’t know them, a police officer or a teacher at school.  I think a video or even a book, showing different scenarios is a great idea. There is so much that we cannot even fathom, so the discussion a video or book could generate is a perfect opportunity to open those doors.