SUGGESTIONS FOR PARENTS

SUGGESTIONS FOR PARENTS :

1) Encourage your child to dress appropriately by not calling attention to him/herself. Avoid excessive jewelry and immodest clothing.

2) Teach your child to walk with the "body language of confidence."

3) Teach your child the "buddy system" - to always stay with a friend or a group of friends.

4) Teach your child that there is safety in making wise choices such as doing errands during the day rather than in the evening, and avoiding dangerous locations and suspicious people.

5) Encourage your child to recognize and act on "gut feelings."

6) Give your child permission to make a scene in public.

7) Make a pact with your child to always know where he is. Also for him to know where you are.

8) Tell your child to never go with anyone who has not been approved by parents. Decide on a secret family code word today. THE WORST MISTAKE YOUR CHILD CAN MAKE IS GETTING INTO A CAR. Once in a car, it's almost impossible to escape.

9) Never put your child's name on the outside of items he carries or wears.

10) Instruct your child to stay away from isolated school and church grounds, vacant lots, parking lots, construction zones, and dark places like alleys and parks.

11) Thoroughly investigate child care providers. 0ne call is not enough.

12) Stranger-proof your house: install dead bolt locks and peek holes on exterior doors, safety stops on windows, and a lock on the garage door. Prune bushes away from windows. Install lighting near outside doors.