Teach children how to deal with strangers

Children meet strangers every day, in shops, at parks or at neighbors' homes. Most of these strangers are normal and very friendly people, but there are also very "bad" strangers that can be dangerous to the baby. Parents need to protect their children from strangers by teaching them some of the following basics:

Which stranger is safe with you?

Safe strangers are people babies can ask for help when needed. Police and firefighters are two great examples of safe strangers. In addition, children can trust teachers, principals and librarians. However, you must also emphasize to your baby that whenever there is a problem, he or she should ask for help in a crowded place.

You can help your child recognize strangers who can help by showing them when they are together. You should also show your baby places where he or she can get help when needed, such as your local library, restaurant or friend's house.

Depending on your baby's age, you tell him about strangers, for example in kindergarten, you cannot explain to your baby who strangers are and who is safe to contact with, and who is dangerous. You can start teaching them little by little, but your baby is actually too young to fully understand what you say.

What should and shouldn't do with strangers?

When teaching your child how to deal with strangers, you need to clearly state the do's and don'ts in specific, clear situations so that they can easily absorb them.

When she gets lost: If she loses her mother in the grocery store, she has to go to the counter and say she is lost, tell the staff their first name and don't go anywhere until the mother comes pick up. In situations where your baby gets lost while on the street, you must tell him that whenever he feels he is lost, stop and look around. If the parents cannot be found, the baby should run to the police. If you can't see the policeman, you should run to the salesman. If a stranger says to your baby, "Come with me to find a mother," tell her to definitely not go;

When a stranger approaches: Babies may greet them, but they may not say hello, especially when their parents are not nearby and never go anywhere with a stranger;

Using the Internet: Put your baby's computer in a place where you can see what your baby is doing. Children at this age should not chat too much on social networks, nor should they share personal information, questions, answers or fill out online forms;

When using public restrooms: By age 6, most children can use public toilets on their own. But be careful, parents should stand outside and ask your baby to call if they need help. If a stranger offers to help, the baby should politely refuse: "No sir, I can do it myself" or "No thanks, my mother will help me";

When at home: When being at home alone and someone knocks on the door, the baby should not open the door immediately, but should say: "Your mother is away." If the customer brings a package, he or she can ask them to put the package down and ask them to come back next time. If you have a landline phone, you can tell your baby when to answer the phone. Five-year-olds are too young, but if they're 8, your kids are old enough to know how to talk to strangers on the phone. If you are away from home and want to call your baby often, you can use a password to help your baby recognize parents.

aFamilyToday Health hopes that the above tips will be helpful for parents in raising their children in the best way. Teaching babies how to deal with strangers is also a way that parents protect their loved one to be safe and healthy.

You can see more:

How to protect children from cyber harassment and threats?

Why are we always wary of strangers?

10 things you should never say to kids