For many families conversation around the breakfast table this past Sunday took a much different twist than usual when the TV was turned on or when Dad looked at breaking news on his phone. 50 people dead, 53 others injured. How do we even talk about these types of events with our kids and loved ones?
It's About Strangeness... Not Strangers; What We Really Need to Teach Our Children
Posted by John Baker on Feb 28, 2015 10:14:47 PM
Many of us grew up with Stranger Danger training. You know, the classic scenario; Mr. Creepy pulls up in his car and offers candy or asks for help to find a lost dog. The children are told to run away and tell a grown up what happened. Furthermore, they were told that when Mr. Creepy reaches out and grabs them they have permission to kick, bite, scream, punch, drop your weight to the ground, break free and run away. And with that all the adults felt better knowing that their children were biw equipped to combat evil.
If it were only that simple! While strangers do account for some child abuse the vast majority, 85-95%, occur within our own family circle and the molester/abuser is a family member or friend. So while stranger danger training is important, the real priority needs to be teaching our kids about strangeness and how that can lead to abusive behavior.
Topics: child safety