Stranger Danger: How To Protect Children, Grandchildren From Predators

SAFETY BUZZ / By Brenda Zofrea

Are you aware of the dangers children face growing up today? Do you believe most strangers are good and would not hurt a child? Have you discussed with your grandchildren unsafe behaviors (action and words) that may put them in harm’s way? Have you made a commitment to making their personal safety an integral and constant part of your grandparenting?

We hope you answered “yes” to these questions. If not, we hope this article will inspire you to do your part to help protect your grandchildren from strangers as well as from “familiars” who might do them harm.

One of the most horrific and damaging threats facing children today is sexual abuse. Child sexual abuse is not only a global crisis, it is a major public health problem that requires all of us, especially parents and grandparents, to be proactive in protecting our most precious resource — our children!

To get you started, remember to be wary of:

• Adults who want to spend more time with your grandchild than you do
• Adults who surround their homes with toys and activities that appeal to children
• Adults who go out of their way to make a child feel “special,” especially if they give gifts, money, and lots of attention to a particular child

When in doubt about someone’s intentions, don’t discount what your instincts are telling you.

Reprinted with permission by grandmagazine.com