Child Safety - 8 Rules To Ensure Security and Safe Haven

I'm sure you've heard the recent stories of child abductions. In some cases the children are held hostage and sexually abused over time. In the high profile story of Jaycee Dugard, she was abducted is 1991 and held hostage in the home of her abductor for over a decade. She was forced to be a sex slave which resulted in the birth of two children. Then there was young Haleigh Cummings, the five year old supposedly was taken from her bed in the middle of the night while sleeping in the same room with a seventeen year old caretaker. Most recently, the body of Somer Thompson was found discarded like a piece of trash in a landfill about 50 miles from her home. The young seven year old was abducted while walking home from school. Her killer is still at large. These are the most disturbing of violent crimes as they target our innocent youth. Tragic, disturbing, sickening and outrage would be a few of the words used to describe the feelings of most parents towards a person capable of taking a child, raping them, assaulting them and killing them. Even more disturbing is that the threat of child abduction is very real and the prevalence is increasing at startling rates. It is up to us, parents, guardians, and caretakers, to ensure the safety, self defense, security and well being of our children. Providing a safe haven for our children is our responsibility, as a result we all need to start today with a plan to accomplish this. I encourage you to consider teaching your children the following safety rules. Your kids should be able to answer yes to each of these questions.

I always check first with my parents or the person in charge before I go anywhere or get into a car, even with someone I know.

Simple, basic, easy to teach and learn, but absolutely crucial that your child understands this. If you think your youngster understands rule number one then test them. Have a family friend attempt pick them up from school, or try to take them to the game room at the mall or maybe for some candy. Many of you will be shocked to find out how easy it is to get your child into someone's car without your knowledge. This is not a time to get angry and scold or discipline your kids. Instead, use that time and energy to communicate effectively with your children, then practice over and over and over again.

I always check first with my parents or a trusted adult before I accept anything from anyone, even from someone I know.

Same is true here. Child abductors will often attempt to gain the trust and acceptance of your youth by buying gifts for them. Over time the hope is that they will become a trusted friend and this is when tragedy can strike.

I always take a friend with me when I go places or play outside.

The "buddy system" is a very good idea and both children should understand the importance of mastering these safety rules.

I know my name, address, telephone number, and my parents’ names.

Can your kids recite there full name, phone number and parents' names.

I say no if someone tries to touch me or treat me in a way that makes me feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.

Children need to know that it is ok to say NO to an adult or anyone if things don't feel right.

I know that I can tell my parents or a trusted adult if I feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.

It’s OK to say no, and I know that there will always be someone who can help me.

I am strong, smart, and have the right to be safe.

To summarize:

• CHECK FIRST
• TAKE A FRIEND
• TELL SOMEONE I TRUST IF SOMETHING IS WRONG
These are simple safety rules. Use them today to begin the process of educating your youngster against the dangers present in society.
• STAY STRONG, SMART, AND SAFE

As the father of a young girl, it is priority number one to make sure she is always safe with or without me. I can't be with her 24/7, though I wish I could. What I can do is provide her with the awareness needed to deter and hopefully prevent any crime against her. Encourage your friends and neighbors with children to get involved. It is time for us as parents to step up and provide the security and safe haven our kids depend on.