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Plan Against Predators
How to Protect Your Child From Harm
By Julia Rosien
Encourage your children to share their instincts with you, Cohen-Posey says. "Some adult behaviors may seem weird to her, but be normal, while others may indicate a problem." When a child raises a question like this, parents can use the opportunity to teach while listening, she says.
Although some kids feel they are invincible, it's the parents' job to set limits while encouraging independent thinking. Teaching preteenagers to trust their instincts and feel confident in their ability to judge situations prepares them for acting without a parent present. "Form a plan together, and fine tune it so your child is prepared when she doesn't have you beside her to help decide what to do," Cohen-Posey says.
Even the most careful parents can't guarantee their children's safety, but there are steps you take to increase their security.
"Older teens and adults should be with people their own age, even though there are exceptions to this rule," Cohen-Posey says.
"Parents don't tell their children dirty jokes, implying there are reasons for boundaries between generations," Friedman says. "It can be an attempt to test the response of a potential victim or just not respecting the needs of others."
Check out parents of your child's friends. "If you know they are heavy drinkers or do drugs, encourage your child to hang out at your house with his or her friends," Cohen-Posey says. If your child plans to sleep over at a friend's house, ask about the host parents. Are they strict, funny, mean or weird? "Give a large menu of words and stick in a couple that may indicate funny business," Cohen-Posey says. "Casually check sleeping arrangements."