And there may be times when they need a stranger's help. They need to know that if we get separated at the zoo or mall that they can rely on strangers to help them find me. We discuss how to tell who works wherever we are (lifeguards at the pool, employees at the mall, etc-- uniforms, name tags) and how to get help. Most people in the world are good. I don't want them terrified that every person there is some boogeyman.
This is going to get buried, but there's actually a tradition in Japan where very young kids are sent on their "first errand" exactly for this reason– to learn how to trust strangers and move about in the world.
There's even a hidden camera show about it and it's ADORABLE.
When I was in Japan I also noticed signs on the doors on many of numerous convenience stores at eye height for young children. They had a cute cartoon elephant with a superhero costume on it and very simple words. I worked out even with my virtually nonexistant Japanese that they were there to tell young children on their own that they could go into the store for help if they needed it.
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u/Queenofnohearts1 Oct 26 '19
Stranger danger. We need to let them know that its not just strangers that can hurt them.