A couple of months ago I spent my time and space on this blog talking to you about making sure you don't inadvertently do something to put your kids in harm's way...like plastering their name all over their back, jacket, bookbag, beach towel, and so on. I got a lot of positive feedback and comments from what I wrote, so this month I'm going to give you another little lesson in how to keep your children safe from people who may look and sound harmless...but aren't.
I want to strongly suggest you give your children a 'kid code'. A 'kid code' is a word or phrase that only you and your children know. It needs to be something so random and unique that no one would ever think of it on their own--especially a 'bad guy'. This means your kid code should NOT be an address, birthdate, family member or pet's name, favorite food, color, or anything like that. No, it needs to be really different.
I'm not going to tell you what my children's kid code is because well, then it wouldn't be safe anymore. Yes, I know they're grown, but they're still my babies, so.... :) But what I will do is give you some suggestions for things/topics you can choose from to make it easy for your children to remember, yet difficult for anyone else to guess. Are you ready?
*A scripture reference from the Bible (example: Exodus 14:14)
*A unique name from the Bible (example: Zipporah)
*A strange animal you've seen pictures of (example: Blob fish)
*A seventies rock band/musician (example: Paul McCartney)
*A character from "One Fish, Two Fish..." (example: a Zans for cans)
Get the picture?
You need to give your children their kid code and emphasize that they are to tell NO ONE. Not for any reason, at any time, no matter what anyone says. They also need to know who does know the code (you, grandparent, etc.). So if someone ever approaches them and tries to coerce them into going with them (God forbid!), your child needs to say, "What's my kid code?" If the person knows (they get one opportunity to get it right), then fine. But if not, your child needs to know they need to run away as fast as they can to someone who is safe (a teacher, store clerk, YOU).
A child is never really too old for a kid code, so don't think this is only for your little ones. And one more thing--make it a hard and fast rule that your children aren't to talk about having a kid code with their friends or anyone else. Make sure they know it's just between you and them-for their safety and wellbeing.
Kid codes are an easy and smart way to help your children know who is and isn't safe, so start thinking and give your children their kid code today!
Love,
Momma D
Copyright 2018 Darla Noble. No part of this can be used or copied without permission from the author.
*A seventies rock band/musician (example: Paul McCartney)
*A character from "One Fish, Two Fish..." (example: a Zans for cans)
Get the picture?
You need to give your children their kid code and emphasize that they are to tell NO ONE. Not for any reason, at any time, no matter what anyone says. They also need to know who does know the code (you, grandparent, etc.). So if someone ever approaches them and tries to coerce them into going with them (God forbid!), your child needs to say, "What's my kid code?" If the person knows (they get one opportunity to get it right), then fine. But if not, your child needs to know they need to run away as fast as they can to someone who is safe (a teacher, store clerk, YOU).
A child is never really too old for a kid code, so don't think this is only for your little ones. And one more thing--make it a hard and fast rule that your children aren't to talk about having a kid code with their friends or anyone else. Make sure they know it's just between you and them-for their safety and wellbeing.
Kid codes are an easy and smart way to help your children know who is and isn't safe, so start thinking and give your children their kid code today!
Love,
Momma D
Copyright 2018 Darla Noble. No part of this can be used or copied without permission from the author.
