I think I need to instill some basic rules for my 3.5 yo DD on stranger safety. She is good about checking with me (and being "shy") when she first meets a new adult, and I have taught her about what parts of her body need privacy and the exceptions to the rule... But I think I would like for her to have a more in-depth understanding of how to safely be around strangers.
I'm not big on the "stranger danger" line (don't talk to strangers, anyone you don't know is out to get you...) that has been so popular in past years. I prefer the idea of teaching her how to be safe around strangers... Recognizing how to use her best judgement she can at her level, knowing that good adults will never need her help, if she gets separated from me, find a teen or a mom with kids, etc.
Do you have any good book recommendations (that mostly follow my own ideas about stranger safety) that will help me explain to her about how to safely interact with strangers? I would prefer a children's book I can read with her, but a book written to give advice to adults is ok too. :)
Don't have a book for you, but sadly, the risk is much greater with people who are NOT strangers. And police, store keepers, and anyone she would go to get help if lost would be a stranger. Find something about teaching her to say NO in the right situations! and to trust her gut.
Not a book, but look into safe side super chick - made by the woman who developed baby Einstein and John Walsh from Americas most wanted. Very, very well done video and online materials.
I can second Safe Side Super Chick. My kids adored the film when they saw it at age 3, and it allows them to grasp these concepts in very age-appropriate ways. Thanks for the reminder--I'm going to have them watch it again tomorrow as a refresher (they are now 9 and 7).
We didn't do " stranger danger".
A friend/neighbor had our children close together and were together a lot with our children.
We labeled ( wrong choice of words but that's what it was) everyone as red, yellow, green.
Green = anyone very close and meant SAFE as parents, siblings, relatives
yellow= caution. People you may know such as neighbors, teachers, bus drivers, etc
Red= someone you do not know at all. Grocery clerk, librarian, etc
This helped us. I recall my daughter saying red person to me when she was little :) I explained yes, red ppl can be very nice, we just don't know them like Green ppl.
Best wishes
