How do you teach a three year old about Stranger Danger???

[lady_bella]

My son who is three is a very loving and friendly fella. Shy at first, but warms up to people in a short amount of time. How can I teach my son about staying away from strangers, and not to talk to strangers without scaring him? Is it too early to teach him? If so, when is a good time and how do I go about approaching the subject to where he will understand?

I just have this fear of my son being friendly to the wrong person and him being kidnapped. I watch my son like a hawk, and so does my husband. But he goes to preschool. And he's with his teacher, and friends. I know the teacher and staff will do everything they can to protect my son, but just in case he is cornered by someone he doesn't know...I want him to know to RUN, or stay away from people he does not know. Am I being too paranoid? I feel as though when it comes to your children's safety, you can never be too cautious. Know what I mean? Any advice on this will be much appreciated. Thank you so much! Have a great week!

[seaelen]

The first thing is to help your child understand what IS a stranger? We don't want to frighten our children, so to keep it simple, a stranger is anyone we do not know. Or you can explain we don't get into a car or go with anyone we haven't had over to dinner!

You can make a game with your child & explain to him that he should go with NO ONE who doesn't know the family password. Let him pick it.

Don't ever personalize an item that your child will use in public. That way no stranger will be able to call him by name.

Never force your child to be affectionate with anyone, not even family. That way no adult will ever be able to tell your child that "mommy wants you to..."

I think these things can just be brought up casually & consistently without frightening the child or making a big deal out of it. That way it becames ingrained, like washing hands before dinner or looking both ways before crossing the street!

You're absolutely right...you can never be too careful & the most important is what you and your husband are already doing, watching him every moment!!

Good luck!

[ReNeE]

he is being well watched now but it is time to teach him. the way i taught mine was to give her a password and told her to keep it a secret and if anyone tries to tell her that they are bringing her home because mommy or daddy can't then they need to tell her the password and if they don't know it she cannot go with them because we didn't give her permission. and also told her to always ask the teacher first if its ok if someone else tries to pick her up. the teacher should be aware there is a password but they shouldn't know it