We all want to keep our grandchildren safe and there will always be something or someone that can endanger our beautiful grandchildren.  At all costs imperative that you speak to them about “stranger danger”.  Of course we don’t want to frighten them and make them mistrust everyone that may cross their paths.  It is important that they learn their home phone number, your work phone number, and your address.

 
The way we taught Lucy was to put a poster in her room.

·         My name is....

·         My phone number is......

·         My address is .......

You can make it a game.  We use to live in a block of apartments that had different coloured doors.  As we walked back to our apartment, I would ask Lucy to point out which one was ours.  

 
Sit down and have a talk to your grandchild.  Explain to them that if someone approaches them and offers sweets or ice cream they shouldn’t accept it.  They need to attract the attention of other adults, that might mean that they have to scream at the tops of their voices this is not my grandmother or my grandfather, or kick them, or bite them or scratch them.

Tell them that not everyone is bad and that the policemen, store security guards, or even staff at the counters are good people who can help them in time of trouble.  

If they think that they are being followed by someone in a car get your grandchild to take a note of the number plate.  If they are near shops get them to go inside and seek help.  

If your grandchild walks to and from school try to get them to walk with a friend.  There is always safety in numbers.  Start up a walking bus if there are enough children in your neighbourhood going to the same school.