While you may be with your child most of the time it is still important to teach your child the importance of stranger awareness at a young age to keep them safe. Children need to learn boundaries and how to respond in various situations.
“But I know his name so I know him.”
Children think if they know someone’s name that person is not a stranger. You will need to explain to your child that unless you call the person a trusted adult then that person is not an adult they can be alone with. For instance, if an adult who is not on the trusted list asks her to get in a car the child is not to go. Quiz your child daily on who is a trusted adult. Let them know that to stay safe those are the only adults the child can interact with when you are not present.
My neighbor is my friend.
Children think a neighbor is friend. Make it a house rule not to enter the homes of neighbors unless you are with your child. Now, we all know exceptions may come in time but be clear as to why this person is an exception. Move that neighbor to the trusted adult list so it makes sense to your child. Let your child know that only you can make that decision.
There is no lost puppy.
Adults do not seek the help of children. Make this point very clear to your child. Let your child know that adults will not ask children to help them find their pet nor are they to go with an adult who says he can show them a puppy in his car. Instruct your child that there are people out there that want to take children. You do not need to get more graphic then that. You can just say there are bad people that look like good people who try to get kids to go in cars or go with them. Assure them that if they follow the rules they should be safe and they are never to go off without you.
Memorize Address and Phone Numbers
Have your child memorize her address and phone numbers if she ever gets lost. If she cannot memorize it then write it on a piece of paper to put in her pocket.
Go to a Cashier
When you walk into a store show your child where the cashier is and let her know that if somehow she gets lost she is to run directly to the cashier. Tell her to inform the cashier she is lost and that she must stay at the cash register until you are found.