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cakeoflightylight ago

Also, people in my neighborhood really seem to think it is ok to let their children play outside alone in the front yard. We had an attempted abduction here not too long ago and the cops did not do shit about it. We have 5 convicted child rapists living 3 miles away from our neighborhood. Don't let your kids go outside unsupervised is my advice. And yes these pedos often drive shitty cars, vans without windows, run down cars, because that is all they can afford. If you see a run down vehicle stalking your homes in your neighborhood call the cops. Don't send your daughter outside in a bikini to ride her bike. If you see a child alone who appears super young find their parents and make sure they are being supervised.

DeadMary ago

This makes me so sad, I grew up in an area where you could let your kids run around by themselves and we were safe and knew everyone who lived around us.

I had an experience ONCE in 15 years of playing outside, but because my parents had stressed to me the importance of 'stranger danger' I was okay and knew what was happening immediately. It was the most cliché thing ever: a couple come riding up to our group of kids asking us for help to find their lost puppy. It was almost laughable how stupid an attempt it was, hell, even the 5yos hanging out with us big kids called bullshit on them. We told them "There are a couple of cops who live in next to us that can help you put up posters if you like" (I was trying to give them the benefit of the doubt, maybe they HAD lost a puppy" As soon as I said cop they bolted and we told the cop who lived next to us what happened and the plate numbers. He told our parents later that night that the car was stolen and us kids were praised with how well we handled everything.

Parents! It is never to early or to late to teach your kids how to not become a victim. Our parents would sit down with us and watch TV programs that would deal with these themes, then have a discussion with us during/after. Many times I have taken a step back from a situation and realized I was about to put myself at risk because of something we had watched on America's Most wanted, and yes, even 'To catch a predator'.

Proper communication and explanations for how you feel and lay out rules are important, kids do not respond well to "because I told you so/because I know better than you" It will hurt your efforts and make you seem paranoid, they will dismiss it without proper training

druhill007 ago

This makes me sad as well. I grew up on an AFB and would run around with friends the entire day playing basketball and stuff without ever having a single negative incident. You guys are doing a great job taking preventative measures and I'm happy I'll be able to protect my kids once that day comes