Topic of the week: Teaching you little ones about “stranger danger”

As parents, our number one priority is keeping our children safe. While it’s important to instill a sense of adventure and curiosity in our little ones, it’s equally important to help them understand the concept of “stranger danger.” Teaching them about this topic early on can set the stage for them to make smart decisions in a world that, unfortunately, can sometimes be unpredictable.

Here are some essential tips for talking to your young child about stranger danger in a way that’s both effective and age-appropriate:

Start with the basics: a stranger is simply someone your child does not know. Make sure they understand that a stranger isn’t just someone who looks “scary” but can also be anyone they have never met before. It could be a friendly neighbor, a shopkeeper, or someone they might see at the park. Reinforce the idea that being unfamiliar is what makes someone a stranger, not their appearance or behavior.

Encourage your child to trust their feelings and instincts. If someone makes them feel uncomfortable, it’s okay to walk away, even if they can’t explain why. Teach them that their feelings are important, and if something doesn’t feel right, they should immediately leave and seek a trusted adult.

Help your child identify “safe adults”—people they can turn to in an emergency, such as you, a teacher, a coach, or a close family friend. Teach them to recognize safe places, like their school, your home, or a store with employees who can assist them if they’re feeling lost or scared.

Talk to your child about respecting personal boundaries, and make sure they know they have the right to say “no” if someone tries to touch them or make them uncomfortable. Explain that no one should ever ask them to keep secrets, and if someone does, it’s essential to tell you right away.

Role-playing is a great way for children to practice how to handle a potentially dangerous situation. You can create scenarios where they might need to say “no,” walk away, or yell for help. Practicing these responses helps your child feel more confident and prepared