By Dana Arevalo,
P.O.V. Contributing Writer
I
am honestly quite scared with all of the recent abductions that have been
flooding the headlines lately. Times have changed. Do you remember when your
parents or grandparents said to you, “When I was younger”? Well here goes, when I was younger, I enjoyed
freely riding around my local neighborhood at the age of 11, meeting kids at
school and playing outside all day in the summer with no parental supervision.
Today, I wouldn't dream of allowing my children to do this. If my daughter or
son set foot outside, I am with them. At times they want to walk the dog; I
allow them to, however, they are only allowed to walk up approximately six
houses and not without adult supervision. I feel, nowadays, you just don't know
who to trust.
One
recent abduction comes to mind. My thoughts are well warranted, just think of
the recent kidnapping of the mother and her three daughters in Tennessee. They
were kidnapped by a family friend and ex-brother-in-law, Adam Mayes, who was
helping the family move. Closely following the story, Mrs. Bain and her three
daughters vanished along with Mayes overnight. Mr. Bain woke up to find his
family missing. Tragically, the eldest daughter and Mrs. Bain were found dead
on Mayes property in Mississippi. The FBI quickly became involved in the case
and a large manhunt began in search of the remaining Bain sisters. Eventually
Mayes made the FBI's top ten most wanted list and was found in the woods with
the two Bain sisters who were alive. As the agents approached Mayes killed
himself.
As
scary as it may seem, be proactive and teach your children about strangers and,
furthermore, about speaking out when they feel uncomfortable about something.
Years ago, parents did not speak out about these topics. It was just a
different time. What you teach them now
will make them more aware of their surroundings and allow them to be prepared
on what to do if they come across a situation. Some things that you can do are:
- Take them to a child's self-defense course. Many martial arts schools hold seminars about stranger danger geared specifically toward children. It is a serious issue and very important for them to learn.
- Any time that you go to a large public place such as a museum, amusement park, etc. chose a family meeting place in case someone gets lost.
- Teach them how to react and speak out if someone makes them feel uncomfortable.
- Discuss stories and headlines of child abductions with them. The purpose of this is not to scare them but is done so that they are aware of what is going on in today's world.
Sources:
Two of my daughters work in retail in separate malls and complain constantly about mothers/parents who walk away from their children. Most of the time the children are 4 years and under. The parents shop around never look back and many times my daughters have to run out of the store to go and get a child.
ReplyDeleteWhen my daughters were that age they wore a harness. I think its invaluable and now use it with my grand baby. Sure people may look at you funny, but in the end you will be the one crying when your child comes up missing.
That scares me. Honestly, my mom and dad wouldn't even let me ride my bike untl they were out on the front lawn with me, or on their bikes as well! We, as parents, have to wake up! These children need to be protected because id rather instill love and safety in my kids than have a moment of freedom or a second of peace at the mall (as Ey mentioned). And id rather my kids be annoyed with my being overprotective, looking back, and remembering being safe, rathr than experiencing the evil that's going on in the world today.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Ey & Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteEy - I am one of those people whom used to dislike the harness. But, I am all for its use if it protects children from wandering away. It is horrible to learn people are so lax in allowing their children to wander through stores unattended. Just last year, (she is 11) I began to allow my daughter to help me in the food store and during the first couple of times, I still followed her to be sure she was not one followed her. One can never be too safe.
Rhonda -
I have a close friend who still remains very protective of her son who is in HS. We have to prepare and protect our children in the hope that they are aware of how to react if they are confronted by someone who means harm. It is always better to be safe. If something doesn't sit right or feel right it is the parents responsibility to protect or be "annoying".
Thanks,
Dana :)