Hi Moms,
My daughter will be 5 soon and I'd like to take her somewhere for a Stranger Danger class. I always try to play "what-if" games with her and I inform her as best I can about stranger danger. But I was wondering if any of you knew of an official, police guided class that specifically targeted this young age group. Anything in or near the Northwest Suburbs wouold be great!
Thank you!
Is she in kindergarten? Our school district did that with the police department at about that age, I think. You might want to check with the school or with your local police department to see if they do something.
Eleanore,
I am trying to start a class like this at our local YMCA. Right now we only offer an "abduction awareness" class for kids 8 and over.
I will say from personal experience tho that the "Safety Town" class we took this summer through our local park district did START an introduction to this.
Unfortunately I think most programs are designed for older children as it's sketchy as to what might "scare" the littler ones. I know this sounds stupid - because I'm like YOU. I believe knowledge is power.
However, I think most places look for a more mature audience.
The other suggestion I have is, if your daughter goes to preschool or kindergarten now is talk with her teacher. Most local police departments DO have "Stranger Danger" programs they will run for free for a school or local group (and it is age appropriate).
The police officer I met said 5 is really the minimum age limit they consider. Most 3 and 4 yr olds can't sit still, don't "get it".
If you'd like to talk more about it, e-mail me. I also have a 5 yr old and have researched teaching classes and have some suggestions for you on what YOU can do.
Sara
we got the SAFE SIDE SUPERCHICK play it on the safe side DVD. my son loves it. we started at 2 yrs old. he's learned from it already.
Hi,
This is slightly off topic, but may be of interest. You may want to check out the Child Lures program http://www.childluresprevention.com/
I got a great booklet from them via our church. The point it makes, at least in regards to sexual abuse, is that it often isn't a stranger, but someone you know and likely trust who may hurt you. It has some very good information and talking points for parents. You can purchase this for about $6, and there may be more info on the website that's free. I didnt' have a lot of time to look around.