Explaining strangers to a 2 year old?

MommyToAshley wrote: Have you started talking to your kids about strangers? What have you said? I liked the idea that a poster had here about telling them to go to another Mommy with kids if they are lost. But, I am talking about being approached by strangers. I have tried to talk to Ashley about it, but I am not sure it is sinking in. I am interested in hearing your ideas.

Kirstenmumof3 replied: I've never had this conversation with any of my children, not really sure why. We have talked about not answering the door or the telephone if we are not home (not that this happens). I always let them know (even Claudia) who is picking them up or going to be with them if we are not there. I remember my mother sitting us down and picking out a "code word" that the person had to say if they came to pick us up. But I think I was much older, probably between the ages of 6-8. I think Ashley might be too young for a conversation like this and it could backfire. She might think that everyone is a stranger. I'm sorry I can't be more helpful.

Alice replied: Kira is 2, and I just don't think she would understand it yet. So I just keep her really close.

The other two know a bit, but I'm hoping I'll never have to find out how much.

gr33n3y3z replied: Your local police dept. can help you with that

Josie83 replied: That's a tough one. I don't think I've ever realy thought about it, but having said that cassie would not go with anyone she didn't know anyway. Even it is someone she kind of knows but isn't sure about, she runs around shouting Mummy or dady at the top of her voice. having said that I know its not good to get complacent! We've told her to stay with us and never wander off, and she doesn't, but I don't know about the whole stranger thing. Maybe I'll have to rethink it! xx

DansMom replied: I don't know if Daniel would get it quite yet. Before Kindergarten the public schools have a day where all of the kids learn about safety---crossing streets and dealing with strangers are included topics.

Kaitlin'smom replied: You know I worry about this as well with Kaitlins outgoing personality. I dont think she would understand right now though and I dont want it to shy her away from people.

5littleladies replied: I know Brianna wouldn't understand something like that yet, so in the meantime I just keep her close. Sorry that isn't any help, but I'm sure she will understand it soon.

MommyToAshley replied: You're right... she is probably too young to understand. I think it is just all the stories in the news about things that have happened to kids lately that have me wondering if I should be teaching Ashley this stuff yet. I never let her out of my sight when we are out, but it really only takes a second for something to happen. Ashley is pretty good about listening to me when we are in public, but like all kids, you never really know what they are going to do. We did get a Sesame street video from the library about Big Bird getting lost in the store.... he couldn't find Maria. Ashley came and told me the entire story after she watched the video with DH. In the video, it tells them to look for someone that works at the store, and that you can tell this by their name badge. So, I asked Ashley who she should look for if she ever got lost and she said, "someone with a ABC sticker" (The name of the store in the video was ABC store) So, she may have taken it a little too literal. I did tell her that she can also look for a Mommy with kids. I hope she never has to use that information, but I feel a little more comfortable talking to her about it.

Thanks again for your thoughts on this subject. I may wait to talk to her about strangers, I don't want to scare her. I may look for some resources at the library next week, just to see what they have.

aspenblue1 replied: I don't think Isabella would understand yet.

Kirstenmumof3 replied:
OMG Dee Dee she is so smart! She cracks me up!

Jamison'smama replied: I also have been worried about this...nobody is a stranger to Jamison. After I read this post, I was at the mall playplace and Jamison sat down next to a woman (clearly a grandmother) and just began talking.. I went over there and Jamison told me that this woman was her friend. That's how fast it happens...she was no longer a stranger but a friend. Would Jamison have left with her? Probably....makes me want to put one of those collars and an invisible fence around her (not to shock her though )-

kimberley replied: i remember someone posted on here before about a book they wrote for kids after her kid was missing for 3hrs... the idea was to find a mommy. look for another female with kids and ask for help if they are lost since there usually isn't a policeman around every corner. definitely something i plan to teach Jade when she is a little older. and the boys know not to talk to strangers from me and school.