Parents, children need to discuss dangers

Just for a moment, consider this:

Your child doesn't come home from school one day and then is listed as missing.

Days later, a witness tells police that she was abducted while walking home, pulled into a car by a stranger.

The officers don't tell you, but you can see it in their eyes: In all likelihood, she's dead.

If you're a parent, it's the most horrifying situation you can imagine.

Elizabeth Smart's parents went through it as the nation watched the story unfold over the months in Salt Lake City. Luckily, their daughter is all right.

There was even a local close call when a Cape Girardeau middle school student said a man tried to get her to get into his car. Fortunately, the girl refused and immediately reported the incident to a nearby bus driver.

The local case, especially, is an example of how laws that are in place to protect our children don't always work.

The first line of defense is a well-informed child. In light of recent events, now is the perfect time to talk about it. That means when children ask if they might ever be abducted, don't dismiss them with the lie that it could never happen to them.

Instead, psychologists recommend that parents answer honestly and in age-appropriate terms. Allow the child to ask questions and then answer them.

Also discuss safety precautions. Just telling your children to avoid strangers isn't enough. Law enforcement officials say most abductions by strangers don't happen at home or at school, but in places where lots of children go to have fun.

Talk to children about what could happen. In fact, The National Center for Missing and Exploited children now recommends parents go through scenarios with their kids, teaching them how to react if someone tries to take them.

Talk about what behaviors by adults are normal or abnormal. Experts say you should teach your children to think when threatened, run away from danger and yell for help.

Make sure younger children understand the importance of knowing their full names, addresses, telephone numbers, including area codes and how to dial 911 or the operator for help.

Parents are still the best way for youngsters to learn how to avoid or escape a kidnapping.

Giving your child the proper tools could save his or her life. Psychologists say that helps alleviate fears by giving children a sense that they have some power in bad situations.

It's a difficult subject. But talking to your kids about it could make an all-important difference.