Are they ready?

By Angela Ardolino

11 questions to ask yourself to determine whether your child is ready to walk home.

1. Do you have an open, honest relationship and communication with your child? Do you tell and teach them about the realities of life?  The good, the bad and the ugly?
2. Does your child know how to stand up for themselves? Ask for what they want?  Be assertive? Especially in stressful situations.  Are they confident and aware?
3. Does your child know that just because someone is an adult it doesn’t mean they can tell them what to do? And that they can defy and disagree with what an adult is telling them?  Including friends, teachers and family.
4. Does your child know how and who to ask for help? 
5. Does your child understand how to pay attention to his instincts?  
6. Does your child know its okay to fight back, defend themselves or even cause harm if they need to get away or out of a dangerous situation? 
7. Does your child know what to do if something does happen?  What to scream?  What to do? Where to go?
8. Does your child understand that if anyone says to them, ''Don't yell,'' they need to yell? The same if someone says, ''Don't tell,'' the thing to do is tell. 
9. Does your child understand the dangers, how to stay safe and know what to do if something goes wrong?
10. Do they know their neighborhood inside out?   Have a good sense of direction?
11. Do they know how to properly operate their cellphone?  To speed dial 911 and parents.

The murder of 8 year old, Leiby Kletzky’s has shaken us all up and reminded us how important it is to connect and teach your children.  It’s not about “not talking to strangers”; it’s about teaching kids the truth and the realities of the world we live in.  98% of child abductions occur through people you know, not strangers.  Shocking Child Abduction Statistics

Learn what to do yourself teach your child and trust your instincts.  Only you will know when they are ready. The horrific tragedy that struck a small community in New York earlier this week should be a reminder to all parents that open dialogue and communication with your children is key to their success and their safety.

To learn how to prevent abductions or for more helpful parenting information visit www.ParentingWithAngela.com