Both Samantha and Elizabeth are of above average intelligence, witty and strong.  Yet they are still taken from their homes and both in front of child witnesses. This is not supposed to happen to our children . However, it did happen and now millions of parents are nervous and sickened as they hover over their young children in order to protect them.   TOP

There are  guidelines for parents of children in the age range of three years old to about ten years old as they wonder and worry about protecting their children. The first thing to be aware of is the importance of not frightening your child. Adult fears cannot be allowed to consume  children. Children deserve the freedom and innocence childhood offers, so our approach, as parents, is to educate. TOP

Teach Your Children:

1.  Never go anywhere alone, even the bathroom at school is off limits unless someone goes with you.

2.  Always tell Mom or Dad or whoever is in charge at home where you are going and do not leave that location unless you talk to Mom or Dad.

3.  Do not talk to strangers.  Even if they are nice and say they have candy or a present for you in the car.  Adults know they are not supposed to give children candy and gifts unless they are good friends.  Exceptions are uniformed police officers, store personnel or other Mommy's with children. These people should be approached if your child becomes separated, lost  or finds himself in an emergency situation. TOP

4.  Do not help strangers find their dog or cat or anything.  Adults do not need children's help. Good adults know to ask another adult to help them not a child because everyone knows that children are not supposed to talk to strangers.

5. If someone tries to get you to go with them start screaming real loud and run away. (see #7 to avoid Samantha's situation)

6. If someone is following you in a car or is walking very close to you, stay away from them.  Adults know they are not supposed to do this and if they are it might mean trouble. TOP

7. Establish a safety space, (use rope or chalk to help your children get a feel for their "safety space".).  In general five to six feet circumference around the child is enough for him or her to get away. Instruct your child to state that if an adult approaches this safety space, your child should tell them to "STOP".  If the person doesn't stop, your child should run and scream as loud as possible. Most good people will stop.  Bad people will try to talk their way in and will not stop.

8. Parents: have a password with your children, something not easily guessed but easily remembered by them.  Instruct your children that unless an adult has this password, they are not to go with them or allow them closer than 6 feet from their body. 

It is important for parents to explain to their children that most grown ups are nice people who would never hurt them.  There are a few, however, who are not good and may want to hurt them so they need to be careful and remember all the rules Mom and/or Dad have explained. TOP

Keep the television and radio and car radio news off when young children are present.  The comments and details of the abduction and murder and state of the child's body when found will scare young children. Be careful not to discuss it in detail around the children.  If you are upset discuss your fears with your spouse, friends or counselor.

However, if the children  ask questions answer them honestly in an age appropriate manner. Do not dismiss their fears or questions as silly.  Five year olds  need  simple answers while  ten year olds may require more information.  Be sensitive to your child's questions but do not over-talk the situation. Even a mature looking and acting ten year old is still a child. TOP

Do not be surprised if children have nightmares or are afraid to sleep alone or without the light on.  It might be necessary to put a sleeping bag on the floor and let them sleep in your room for a few nights or leave the lights on in the bathroom or hallway until the story is off the front pages. 

Reassure your children daily that you love them and will do everything in your power to protect them and keep them safe. Remember that very few children are actually kidnapped and harmed every year regardless of what it seems like on television.

Go about your daily routine and keep children busy.  Have a picnic or go to the lake or the beach and present as normal a picture of life as possible.

 Tragic and shocking events such as the abduction and death of this very young girl should cause us to slow down and appreciate the time we can spend with our own children.  Give them loads of extra hugs and kisses! 

Additional Resources: 3 Part Video series teaches parents and Children how to Avoid being Abducted