Monday, November 07, 2005

Protecting Our Children

We live in an age of a million and one distractions, and that can make it hard to keep tabs on our kids. However, it is literally a matter of life and death. Parents, PLEASE talk to your children about the danger of meeting people on the internet. Please see the importance in knowing who your children are speaking to and befriending, on the internet and off. It's really important that you build up a rapport of communication with them as early as possible. This sets a foundation for when they become older and more likely to "close up."

It is surprising and disturbing how many parents don't know their children's moods. "I don't know" is NOT an acceptable answer when it is related to what your child is thinking and/or feeling. As a parent, it is your job to find out. If you don't, believe me, there are thousands of filthy perverts that will take your place.

It is NEVER to early to educate your children sexually (i.e., teaching them what is and is not appropriate). It is NEVER too early to school them on the importance of being aware of their surroundings. Stress the importance of not wandering off. Teach your kids their addresses, telephone numbers, their ENTIRE NAME, your ENTIRE name, the name of your parents and the name of your workplace. Teach them how to get out of the house in case of an emergency. Establish a code word in the event that someone else has to pick them up from school and TEST them. All of these things seem like no brainers, but there are a lot of children that do not have this information. If they can recite the drivel that is on the radio, then they can recite something useful.

Teach them the value of hard work so that the pull of easy money is not as strong. Tell your daughters that they are beautiful, that way, when they hear it on the street, it's not surprising. Instill in them a sense of morality. Let them know that there is a higher power (beyond us as parents) that they are accountable to.

Though doing this may not be easy, it is WELL worth the effort.

1 comment:

The Humanity Critic said...

Great post, parents have to warn their kids about internet threats outside of spyware.