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Protecting Your Child's Safety Outside The HomeMar 01 '02 Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line Please don't overlook what your child may be able to understand. It could change his/her life!
I'm going out on a limb here. I looked very hard amongst Epinions sub-directories for the appropriate category to write my review to no avail. I settled here after reading many reviews because I felt the core issue here is child safety. So please don't crucify me if you read and feel I am off topic. I simply feel child safety isn't entirely about the material objects about the house. :) My Perspective I was listening to Dr. Laura today on my way home from running a few errands. Occasionally I will listen to her show if it's on and I'm not in the mood for music. I don't agree with every point she makes. In fact, I find her very narrow minded although she does make valid suggestions at times. But today, I heard something that has steamed my ears! A caller told Dr. Laura her five year old daughter heard about the disappearance of the little girl Danielle we have all been following. Her question was: Should I discuss this with my daughter? Dr. Laura's responded very strongly with NO!. The caller then asked why? Dr. Laura's said a five year old child or a child of any age should NEVER be involved with discussions such as these. She went on to berate the caller on her lack of insight. The caller simply stated she wanted her daughter to be aware of the world she lived in and learn how to protect herself. She also stated (as she cried) that someday her daughter would hear of such things beyond her control and how could she protect her daughter then? Dr. Laura responded that a child no matter how old should never be exposed to such issues and it was the parents responsibility to make sure of this!! Okay. So how does a parent protect their child from the world if they aren't allowed to converse the negative aspects of our society? Does a child not depend on our guidance and ability to keep them safe? Are we supposed to lock them in a closet lest they should hear, see or sense danger? This whole issue infuriates me! I agree with the aspect of age appropriation. Some children are not socially mature enough to handle such discussions of abduction, rape and the like. And I agree that some parents just don't have the insight to know what and when is the appropriate discussion to have with their child. But PLEASE!!! If we don't help our child to see what is harmful outside the home as well as inside, who do we hold responsible when harm finds them? Dr. Laura??? I doubt she will step up to the plate and take the blame when Sally's 5 year old daughter gets into a car with a stranger waving lollipops!! And I doubt Dr. Laura will come to save Sally when welfare takes her daughter because Sally locked her in a closet to protect her from the news!! Sure, a small child does not to be planted in front of the 6:00 news for information. Nor should we as parents hand them the newspaper to read the front page. But, a child will eventually interact with his/her peers and learn of the horrors we strive so diligently to protect them from. Even the most secluded child must be informed of their personal safety and how to protect themselves. It is a parents responsibility to know when their child is mature enough to comprehend such issues. I myself found myself explaining homosexuality to my five year old only after he came home from school and asked me about it. I was concerned and later found out he was told about it by another five year old. I can't prevent this! So, as gingerly as I could I explained very simple what I felt he could understand. And if I hadn't or lied?? Sooner or later he would have learned a version he may not have understood and quite possibly suffer psychological repercussions later in life. What if I never told him to not talk to strangers or go with strangers he doesn't know? What if I never told him NO ONE is allowed to touch you "there" except for yourself, your mommy or a doctor? As friendly as my son was at a young age he wouldn't be with me today! And what if he was never allowed to hear of situations where a child was abducted or molested? What if he never learned of the consequences of my teachings through other misfortunes? Would he still practice safe judgment? I certainly don't feel children need to constantly live in fear outside the home. And my heart bleeds for the mothers and fathers who lose their children to sick and twisted minds. But if I feel my child is old enough to comprehend why I teach him to protect himself and make safe choices, then da*m it, I am going to tell him why. He may be 5, 7, 10, or 15 years old. Only a parent can know how their child will absorb the information given. I wish to God every day that I didn't have to raise my son in a world with such pain. But to prepare him is my responsibility. To not inform him is to fail him! As far as Dr. Laura is concerned as well as all other professionals claiming to know what is best, only a parent knows what is best for their child. I know that caller hung up the phone scared and frustrated. Now, she questions her sense of protection over her daughter and wonders how she can advise and keep her daughter safe both inside AND outside the home at any age. Dr. Laura stole her confidence and parental power!  |
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