It's time to move beyond "stranger danger." The truth is many unsafe people aren’t strangers at all...they might be someone your child knows and even trusts. At the same time, not all strangers are dangerous, like law enforcement or teachers.
Instead of focusing on who a person is, teach your child to recognize what unsafe behavior looks like.
A "tricky person" is someone who:
– Asks your child to keep secrets
– Tries to separate them from their parents
– Lavishes them with gifts
– Says, “If I do this for you, you have to do something for me”
Help your child understand the difference between safe and unsafe people by focusing on behavior, not labels. This empowers them to recognize red flags, set boundaries, and seek help when needed.