Protecting Your Child

Many of you reading this have children.  This edition is focused more on those of you with smaller children.  Through the years I have consulted people whose children have been kidnapped, abused physically, mentally and sexually.  It is always a difficult discussion for parents of abused children to tell their story.  So far, I have never spoken with a parent who expected their child to be hurt, except when the parent was the abuser and even some of them claim to have not realized what they had done.  I think it is correct to say that most parents love their children.  I know that I, as a father, consider my son to be the most precious gift that God has given me.  Even though he is now a teenager and taller than me (not bigger, I still have a few pounds on him J ),  I still want to make sure that he is safe.  I am sure that you all feel the same way about your children.  Because of the ever increasing amount of violent crime, we must take positive measures to insure their safety and prevent them from becoming victims of crime.

Here are some tips to help Protect You Now:

Never leave your children alone.  Do not leave them at home, in a vehicle, at play, or anywhere.  Just because a child is old enough to call for help does not mean they will get the chance.  I have spoken to many parents whose children were either abducted or assaulted while alone.  Please, never leave your children alone.

Teach your children their full name, your full name, their address and phone number, including the area code.  As soon as your child is old enough to understand, please teach them this information.  Also, make sure they know how to use a phone to dial emergency services.

Play the “What If Game” with your children.  Make up different dangerous situations that they might encounter and help them play out what they would do in that situation.  This will help develop “habits of safety”.

Always be aware of the location of your child.  Many children are abducted in public places.  Shopping Centers, department stores, amusement parks and playgrounds are all dangerous places for children.  Predators frequent these locations.  Consider purchasing a child monitor to be used when taking children out in public.

Take the time to talk to your children.  This is important on many levels, but talking often with your children will make you more aware when something is just not right.  Be alert to any noticeable changes in their behavior or attitude towards an adult or teenager.  These can be signs of sexual abuse.

Set up procedures with your child’s school or day care center.  Make sure the facility only releases the child to you or someone on an approved list.  Make sure they have a procedure to follow if the child does not show up on time.

Teach your children that their body is private.  Make sure they understand that no one has the right to touch them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.  If anyone touches them in a wrong way, they should say NO, GET AWAY and tell you or someone else they trust.

I know these tips may seem like common sense to most of you.  I agree.  My concern is that we do not always use common sense.  J  As I stated earlier, parents of children who are victims did not expect their children to be harmed.  It is so important that we, as parents, take positive measures to insure the safety of our children.  They truly are one of

God’s greatest gifts.

If you would like to purchase a child monitor, visit:  protectyounow.com.  If you purchase the Child Guard Panda, use the coupon code: BLOG at checkout and you will receive free shipping.

If you have any questions or comments, please use the comment section below.  Be sure to Facebook "Like" this article (if you do) and share it with your friends.  Check back often for more tips to help Protect You Now.