Talking about strangers and inappropriate contact

Mark · 06-21-2008, 05:11 AM

What is a good age to start talking to your children about inappropriate touching? We all want to make sure that our kids are safe. When they start going to daycare or kindergarten, they will not always be near us so we can't keep an eye on them at all times. It is critical that they understand when someone is doing something wrong and how to respond. I'm sure this all matters as to the ability of the child to understand this very sensitive subject but what is generally a good age to start talking about this?

Fallon · 06-21-2008, 11:20 AM

I started when Debralyn was like 2...just with basic stuff like strangers and things and we give her more information as she grows and based on what I feel she can understand

Teresa · 06-22-2008, 08:47 AM

I started when they were between two and three, talking about what a stranger is, good touch and bad touch, teaching them to yell VERY loudly if someone they didn't know was trying to make them go somewhere, and a bunch of other stuff. Then we would occasionally play the "what if?" game, with different scenarios as they got older.

Fallon · 06-22-2008, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by Teresa

Then we would occasionally play the "what if?" game, with different scenarios as they got older.

that's a great idea

Trina · 06-22-2008, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by Teresa

I started when they were between two and three, talking about what a stranger is, good touch and bad touch, teaching them to yell VERY loudly if someone they didn't know was trying to make them go somewhere, and a bunch of other stuff. Then we would occasionally play the "what if?" game, with different scenarios as they got older.

Ditto Teresa!

Neal · 06-24-2008, 01:32 AM

Our problem has always been our daughter interest in meeting new people from the time she could walk.

Teresa · 06-24-2008, 06:42 AM

My middle child was like that, so we were always very careful with her, especially as a young child. Left to her own devices, she would walk up to total strangers and introduce herself, asking their name. It was cute, but very scary, so we had to monitor her much more closely than the other two for a longer time. She still behaves as though she doesn't know the meaning of the word "stranger," at 18, and she still makes me cringe sometimes, but now I just have to hope she learned SOMETHING from all the info we drilled into her....LOL.

Fallon · 06-24-2008, 08:38 AM

my daughter was always really interested in other mommies...she would shy up around a lot of people including family but she just thought all mommies must be ok to talk to

Kim · 06-24-2008, 09:45 AM

Originally Posted by Fallon

my daughter was always really interested in other mommies...she would shy up around a lot of people including family but she just thought all mommies must be ok to talk to

That's one of our rules, actually, for if we get lost in a public place. She is supposed to stay where she is and talk to only a police officer or a mommy with children.

Fallon · 06-24-2008, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by Kim

That's one of our rules, actually, for if we get lost in a public place. She is supposed to stay where she is and talk to only a police officer or a mommy with children.

that's a good rule. we've basically told Debralyn the same thing

06-21-2008, 05:11 AM	#1
Mark Proud Father Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Michigan Age: 34 Posts: 3,574 My Mood: Rep Power: 47 Reputation: 308 Children Alexandra (9), Sean (4)	Talking about strangers and inappropriate contact What is a good age to start talking to your children about inappropriate touching? We all want to make sure that our kids are safe. When they start going to daycare or kindergarten, they will not always be near us so we can't keep an eye on them at all times. It is critical that they understand when someone is doing something wrong and how to respond. I'm sure this all matters as to the ability of the child to understand this very sensitive subject but what is generally a good age to start talking about this? __________________ Are you new to NowParenting? Come and introduce yourself here! Sign up for NowParenting Mail, Chat, Calendar, Documents, and more... Click Here! If someone posts something that is helpful, consider giving them reputation points! Come and join the Computer Users group here at NowParenting. *"Miracles Happen!"*

06-21-2008, 11:20 AM	#2
Fallon who needs sleep.... Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Michigan Age: 28 Posts: 5,197 Rep Power: 62 Reputation: 281 Children Debralyn, logan, and Madeline	I started when Debralyn was like 2...just with basic stuff like strangers and things and we give her more information as she grows and based on what I feel she can understand __________________ SAH mommy to Debralyn 10-21-02 and Bubba (Logan) 3-19-07 Madeline 07-10-09

06-22-2008, 08:47 AM	#3
Teresa NowParenting Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 274 Rep Power: 11 Reputation: 90 Children Brian, 22; Adrienne, 18; Amy, 15	I started when they were between two and three, talking about what a stranger is, good touch and bad touch, teaching them to yell VERY loudly if someone they didn't know was trying to make them go somewhere, and a bunch of other stuff. Then we would occasionally play the "what if?" game, with different scenarios as they got older. __________________

06-24-2008, 01:32 AM	#6
Neal Leader Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 2,766 My Mood: Rep Power: 37 Reputation: 154	Our problem has always been our daughter interest in meeting new people from the time she could walk. __________________ NowParenting.com

06-24-2008, 06:42 AM	#7
Teresa NowParenting Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 274 Rep Power: 11 Reputation: 90 Children Brian, 22; Adrienne, 18; Amy, 15	My middle child was like that, so we were always very careful with her, especially as a young child. Left to her own devices, she would walk up to total strangers and introduce herself, asking their name. It was cute, but very scary, so we had to monitor her much more closely than the other two for a longer time. She still behaves as though she doesn't know the meaning of the word "stranger," at 18, and she still makes me cringe sometimes, but now I just have to hope she learned SOMETHING from all the info we drilled into her....LOL. __________________

06-24-2008, 08:38 AM	#8
Fallon who needs sleep.... Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Michigan Age: 28 Posts: 5,197 Rep Power: 62 Reputation: 281 Children Debralyn, logan, and Madeline	my daughter was always really interested in other mommies...she would shy up around a lot of people including family but she just thought all mommies must be ok to talk to __________________ SAH mommy to Debralyn 10-21-02 and Bubba (Logan) 3-19-07 Madeline 07-10-09

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