The latest incident in Milwaukee involving the 11-year old girl who was repeatedly attacked reminded me how the safety of our children is at constant jeopardy. With school back in session and children meeting new friends while reacquainting themselves with friends they haven't seen over the summer, the "can I go to [so-and-so's] house for a sleep over" is bound to start. I'm not saying that we shouldn't let our children spend time with their friends; but I think this latest incident is a reminder to us that tragedy could strike anytime, anywhere. The friends you allow them to visit, you may have known for years and have complete trust in them. After all, if you allow your child to spend the night at someone's house, you better have complete trust. But what about the people they trust? What about those who may live next door or who may visit while your child is there? I think we have to be very mindful that there are people who prey on young children, and if we want to keep our children safe we have to be very careful who we allow to have access to them. We have to monitor how much Internet time they spend, know the sites they visit, block those sites we don't want them on, and let them know we can and might check where they go online. We should ask, "Has anyone unfamiliar to us tried to converse with you?" Remind them that if someone wants them to communicate while keeping it a secret, then that's a red flag and to inform you immediately. Do not allow your children to visit homes where there are no parents present, and if you do not know the family, perhaps they shouldn't go. I don't want to imply everyone is suspect but when it comes to the safety of our children we have to be diligent in our efforts to protect them. We also have to instruct them about what "friendship" means. They need to have a clear understanding that if they have to prove their friendship to someone; it's not worth it. No one should ask you to prove your friendship or test it. The complexity of the reality for many of today's youth is far more challenging than many realize. Our young are under tremendous pressure to fit in and be liked while discovering themselves. My girls often accuse me of being paranoid and too protective, but I tell them that the price for not shielding them from certain experiences is too high. Next week ... bully and why it's not kids simply being kids. |
| Keeping our children safe Part 1 of 2 by Pamela Pfeffer |
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