Child Safety Tips for Parents from Palos Park Police

It can be a difficult thing for parents to talk to kids about the fact that there are people out there who would want to take them away, or even do them harm. As parents, we would love to have our children grow up believing that the world is a safe a secure place.

In the eyes of a child, it is hard to understand that anyone would want to harm them in any way. One of the most important things parents can do to increase the safety of their child is to talk with their children about the dangers that exist, even role-play various scenarios with them.

Doing this, along with fingerprinting and photographing your child, will let your child know how much you love them and reinforce in their mind, the idea of being safe.

Always keep an eye on your child, especially in large crowds.

Discuss with your child not to walk up to a stranger's vehicle for any reason. Role-play this with your child. (Example: a stranger offering candy or requesting directions).

Show your child how to dial 911. Discuss with your child what an emergency is and when they would use this number. (The Palos Park Police Department will send an officer to any 911 hang-up call where no one can be reached on a call back).

Keep a close eye on children using the Internet. We teach them not to talk to strangers, why let them do it on-line?

Provide your child with the names of trusted adults (Neighbors, etc.) that they can go to in the event of an emergency if you can't be reached.

Discuss with your child that if they get lost, find a police officer or store clerk and wait with that person until the police arrive.

Don't put clearly visible nametags on your child's bike or backpack. It would allow a stranger to call them by name, giving them some credibility in your child's mind.

If your child(ren) stay at home by themselves, instruct them not to answer the door and to screen phone calls.

Remind your child that adults do not need help from a child in looking for something like a lost dog.

If your child is in a dangerous situation, instruct them to yell, "This is not my Mom/Dad!"

Make sure your child knows their full name, address and phone number as soon as age appropriate.

Instruct your child that if someone comes into their room late at night, to scream and make noise no matter what the intruder tells them.