Child safety experts now recommend teaching the concept of tricky people and for good reason.
Its a term coined by child safety expert Pattie Fitzgerald, founder ofsafelyeverafter.com.
One reason to use the term tricky people?
We need to make it clear that its not just people they dont know who might be unsafe.
Whats more, kids often expect strangers to appear scary or dangerous.
But folks who are looking to harm children may actually come across as quite friendly or charming.
The tricky people concept puts more focus on strange behavior than it does on fearing strangers altogether.
Listen to your instincts and remember its not what someone looks like that tells you if they are tricky.
Its how they act, behave or seek out your child, Fitzgerald said.
This kind of language gives your child more agency.
Fitzgerald also recommends teaching kids about what to do rather than only teaching them whatnotto do.
This gives them a proactive response in case something doesnt seem right to them, she said.
Even if its theice creamman.
These conversations can then naturally evolve to include topics on consenting to sexual behaviors as the child matures.
Its also important to use theanatomically correct terms for body partswhen talking to your kids.
This will help your child communicate clearly if they are ever touched inappropriately.
you’re able to also explain the difference between a secret and a surprise.
Grandma giving you an extra cookie isnt a secret,Kate Schweitzer wrote for Chicago Parent.
Nor is not telling Daddy what his birthday present is going to be.
Teach your kids the difference and remind them that they never keep secrets from their parents.
You might also want to spell out problematic behaviors for kids to be aware of.
When having these conversations, be comfortable and confident in your delivery.
That will help kids know theres no shame in talking about these topics, Graham said.
Fitzgeralds best piece of advice for parents?
Pay attention to who is paying attention to your kid.
