Tricky People

Explain the concept of tricky people to your child:

• Explain that tricky people may try to manipulate them into certain situations or actions.
• Explain that tricky people may try to touch them in their bathing-suit areas.
• Show them the photograph of the offender and explain that they are a tricky person.
• Tell them that if the tricky person tries to talk to them, they should take three steps back and run like the wind the way the Yello Dyno program instructs them to.
• Tell them that if they see the tricky person, they should let you or another adult know.

Misinformation

Some parents will unfortunately give their children misinformation, and you want to be sure that any rumors your child is hearing at school are corrected. For example, after a sex offender notification was implemented in a school, one 8-year-old child reported to another that her mom got a note at home about a lunatic let loose in the area. As unfortunate as it is, that child's parents missed an opportunity to provide specific information and instill skills that could potentially help that child.

Boundaries

Explain what boundaries are to your child. Boundaries are the limits we establish or may already be established by virtue of the nature of each individual relationship. For example, Coach M has a role, and it is to teach a child a certain sport. A teacher has a role as well. Their job is to instruct children in academic matters. Any activity outside the realm of the boundary established must be evaluated and discussed with an adult. The blurring of boundaries is often what sex offenders who groom children rely upon.

Evaluating Boundaries

One way to evaluate boundaries is to ask yourself the questions, such as:

• Why does Coach X, Pastor Y, or Doctor Z want to be alone with my child?
• Why is this person interested in my child?
• Why should my child be receiving special treatment?