As I watched the evening news, I saw reports of THREE unrelated child grabbing attempts in the greater Columbus area just today!!

It has been a generation since it seemed to be such a relevant and constant danger. I would like to share what I learned about safe guarding one's kids--especially as temps moderate and we all get outdoors more.

First: Call the police station for info on where you can get a child ID kit made up. Many organizations make tem. At the least, you need your child's picture (and be careful to keep it current) and fingerprints. Any identifying marks should also be recorded (birthmarks, scars, the fact of the child knowing sign language or Spanish, or whatever. You keep this file for the awful "just in case" so you can put as much personal info in it as possible (then, in an emergency siyuation, you don't have to scramble around for pics or info. Some hairs (including the root) is good nowadays for the DNA.

Next: Teach your children. Obviously you've taught them not to get in a car with a stranger, but from personal experience I can say that is not always enough. Teach them not to go with anyone you didn't tell them to go with, unless that person gives the secret password. This includes police. If a policeman wants to talk to them, ask to read his badge. [Even if your child can't really read well, yet, a "bad guy" won't neccessarily know that. It is OK to "talk to strangers. We all do it--in passing. Help your child to understand the difference between good talking and dangerous talking. Never give a stranger info on yourself. If an adult asks for direction to someplace, give them loudly out of arm's reach.

IF a child is grabbed, he needs to know to kick and scream, but that is not enough. He needs to yell "this is not my mother, this is not my father, etc." If you as an adult see a child fussing with an adult, isn't your immediate reaction to think "Yay, it's not my child fussing in public--this time." We see it all the time, Usually what we see is what is true--a disobedient child. But what about that 1/1000th time?

IF a child is approached and feels uncomfortable, he needs to run. Even if it is to run into a strangers house--much safer than staying out on the street if feeling endangered. Hopefuylly you know your neighbors well enough that your kids can know which houses are "safe" houses.

Once back when I was a young teen, my friend and I were walking down a farm road when we realized a truck was keeping pace with us. We pretended not to notice, but hurried to the closest house. We walked right in the door like we owned the place, explained to the lady there why we had just walked in. She called the police. An arrest was made. I don't know the particulars after that, but I've always been glad my Mom taught me to do that.

When I was in San Diego after Jago was born, one aftenoon I was the only one home when I noticed a girl looking to be about 10yrs old across the street. A man drove up in a car and started talking to her. She was very upset. He seemed to be trying to get her into the car. I was concerned and so walked over there. The lady next door did the same at the same time, so we each talked to one of the people at a distance from each other. Turns out it was Grandpa who was now raising the girl and sis and was trying to get her to come home for dinner. Since they both gave the same story without hearing the other one, we decided they were undoubtedly telling the truth. He thanked us for checking him out, for being convcerned enough to watch and act when we saw something suspicious.

We all need to help make our children and our communities at large safer. One thing more: there are so very many Moms out working these days, it is good, if you are an at home Mom, to make that known around your neighborhood. Welcome the kids to your yard, be a familiar and safe haven for those who need it. There are some awfully hoorific situations out there in the world today...and it only continues to worsen. You'll never be sorry to be the house that all the kids hang out at. Tho. your kids might be, as they grow older, and they think their parents are hopeless embarrassments while other kids say,"Your Mom is way cooler than mine." And don't begrudge the time and energy spent on behalf of other people's kids--it only helps your in the long run.

I am grateful for all the kids who have been special parts of our family through the years. I am also grateful for other adults who have served special places in my kids lives--enriching them and helping them to grow up into the world at large. It can be a very scarey place, but does not need to be so if we can be prepared, for as the scripture says, "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." All this kind of stuff has to be a concern, but not a fear.

OK, I'm stepping off my soapbox now.:D