When I'm out with my young children, friendly strangers often
approach us to smile and say hello. Although I'd like my kids to
be polite, I also want to teach them not to talk to strangers.
How can I avoid sending mixed messages? "Don't talk to
strangers" has been the mantra of many parents for generations.
But contrary to this age-old wisdom, sometimes it's actually a
good idea for kids to talk to strangers. Who else will they turn
to if they're lost and need help? So, instead of making a
blanket statement, it's better to teach kids when it's
appropriate to talk to strangers and when it is not. When your
kids are out with you, it's fine to let them say hello and talk
to new people. You are monitoring the situation and will protect
them. But if your child is alone and approached by a stranger,
that's a different story. Tell your child that if a stranger
ever approaches and offers a ride or treats (like candy or toys)
or asks for help with a task (like helping find a lost dog),
your child should step away, fir