You may think that what you read in newspapers about bad things happening to children can never happen to you or your family member. I used to think about it that way too until a week ago. A fourteen-year-old girl went out with her friends and until this date she has not come home yet without any news. She is a daughter of one family in my neighborhood.

Some people are very skeptical about it, saying that she may have run away with somebody. The fact that she’s already fourteen and, being a teenager, who may be having troubles with the parents at home, make these skeptical people to stick to their thought.  Well, we might never know what really happened. What if she has been kidnapped for ransom? You figure it out. 

My wife always emphasizes on teaching our kids to be wise and street smart all the time. And she realizes that it is very important to teach our kids from their early age, especially when they start to go to school. I used to not pay much attention to her but now I too understand the importance of being street smart for children. Here’s what she tells me almost regularly: 

1)         Do not let your child to go anywhere alone. Have somebody you trust to accompany wherever your child goes.

2)         Prepare your child with simple yet important info. Make your child knows the following: his/her full name, home address, and your mobile and home phone number.

3)         Do not overdress your child. Don’t let her put on too many accessories. Sometimes children like to accessories themselves with lockets, earrings or jewelry. She might be attractive but we don’t want to attract the unwanted.

4)         Remind your child not to get into anyone’s car unless when you say it’s alright to do so.

5)         Remind them not to offer any help to people they don’t know when you’re not around. Example, when somebody asks them for direction.

6)         Always teach your child to be alert and to run or scream when he/she feels threatened by a stranger. Of course, do not forget to tell that only apply this when necessary.

These are just some of the more important ones for us to remember. The list can simply go on and on if I were to really state every single thing. These kinds of tips may be found in newspapers, magazines, books, internet, etc. Nevertheless, as parents, you should always be their number one guidance. Prepare them with what and how you believe will help them in their future life. Being street smart is very much valuable and beneficial, not just to us parents, but mostly to them, our children. We don’t only teach them to be street smart to prevent criminal acts upon them, but also to enhance their wisdom in life as a whole, and we always start when they’re young.

 

About The Author Fadzil is an entrepreneur, writer, and web content developer. He enjoys helping individuals, who are excited about self improvement and attaining personal success, to learn the simple steps to achieve their goals. He recommends whoever is serious about self improvement to get more info at: http://www.wisdomgateway.com/6wlmover/life_makeover.htm He is also the founder of WisdomGateway which helps internet users to obtain knowledge in the area of Business Matters, Healthy Living, Hobbies & Activities, Internet Marketing, and Real Estate. To visit the site, please go to http://www.wisdomgateway.com