Put Kids First

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Safety tips for children from Put Kids First (www.putkidsfirst.org). What do you tell your children to do if a strange car pulls up to them and an occupant starts to talk to them? Some people say they can talk to the person but never get within arms reach of the car.

Others say to continue walking and pretend you didn't hear the person talking to you. The answer is to turn and run in the opposite direction the car is facing. This is important so the person cannot just pull up behind your child. The individual will either have to turn the car around or park and get out of the car, giving your child time to escape, and hopefully draw attention in the event that the person chases them.

To prepare your children for a possible different scenario, let your kids hide in the trunk, show them where the lights are from the inside (shut the lid so they can try to find them in the dark), then tell them to kick the lights out and put their hands through, pull the wires to the lights, these are things that will hopefully get the attention of other drivers or the police. If they practice, it will be easier to remember in the event they need to do it.

Disclaimer
Candace Newton is a facilitator, motivational speaker, and educator and is not a professional counselor. Candace Newton does not give advice, but redirects it to our onboard counselor and to other resources. The topics discussed on-air and at speaking engagements are to be taken as informational, motivational, and as another point of view. Her comments expressed are in the context of "generally speaking" and may not be suitable for all and as a facilitator takes no liability or responsibility for any information disseminated on the program or in person. Personal judgment and evaluation of one's own situation is the responsibility of the listener.