Let’s take a little break from the usual “sell a franchise,” “buy a franchise,” “tips to buying a franchise,” content that’s posted here, almost daily. The following story concerns school-age children, and child safety. It’s really important.
If you’re the parent of a school-aged child, you have certain fears about your children going to school for the day, and being away from you…
A little fear is a good thing; it keeps all of us on our toes.
Kids, however, don’t have the capacity to understand parental fears. I’m talking about the “what if a stranger approaches my child, and tries, or even succeeds, in snatching him or her?”
If you’re a parent, can you imagine how it would make you feel either scenario really did happen?
I’m a parent. Although my child is starting high school in a couple of weeks, I’m still fearful of any one of several scenarios that my active mind can cook up, on a daily basis. That’s the part of parenting I can’t stand.
As a matter of fact, I’m kind of freaking out a little as I write this. I get a little paranoid when it comes to my child. Plus, I love kids.
Check Out This Child-Safety Idea From a Former Cop
Child safety expert and ex-cop Samantha Wilson, who founded Kidproof in 2000, says that, “labeling your children’s belongings with their name where a by-stander can see it, is putting your child at risk.”
Wow! You mean all that time Mom spent labeling our stuff with her laundry-proof pen was all for nought?
Samantha continues;
“One of the most common tricks predators will use to gain trust is to be friendly, familiar, and approachable. Calling a child by his or her first name catches the child off guard and opens an opportunity to begin a longer conversation. Kidproof’s No-Name labeling system is a free and easy way for parents to create a teachable moment with their child that is empowering rather than scary.”
Do you have the courage to not put names on your children’s school and personal items?
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Kidproof was formed in 2000 by Samantha Wilson, a former police officer and internationally recognized expert in child and family safety. As a cop, Samantha received fantastic, informative, cutting-edge child safety information that was only being shared by law enforcement and other helping agencies. The information was not “top secret” but had no way of reaching those who needed it most – the kids. So she formed Kidproof to do just that.
Good stuff. I approve of her message. 🙂 Do you?
David says
August 2, 2010 at 10:13 amThat is an amazing tip from a police officer. I myself have a 4 year old son who presently goes to pre-school and I label everything to make sure my son gets all of his belongings back. It never even occurred to me that a child predator would use those labels to help pursue children. I am going to have to re-think my labeling habit. This is a different post then I have ever seen hear but I can appreciate it.
The Franchise King says
August 2, 2010 at 10:22 amThanks for chiming in, David.
I’m glad my kid is starting high school, in a way. I wouldn’t have to make the “labeling” decision.
What are you going to do;
Label. or no-label?
The Franchise King®
ToddWeissCFA says
August 2, 2010 at 10:53 amWhat a great idea. I never really thought it would be bad to have names labeled but considering other factors I would have to look into it.
Francis A says
August 2, 2010 at 10:04 pmThe advantage that the predators have on us is “Evil”! I am Thankful for Kidproof and I believe that it is great to spread such great information. Kids are so innocent and anything I can to protect mine..I am on it!! Thank you for the great post!! 🙂
Michael Pearson says
August 2, 2010 at 10:20 pmVery nice, Nice platform how do you get the email thing to pop up?
Thanks for the break from franchising!
The Franchise King says
August 3, 2010 at 6:47 amTodd and Fatin,
Thanks for stopping by. I think it’s an important issue that all parents of school-aged children should look into.
It’s something that I would have never thought of, and I trust this former policewoman’s judgment.
The Franchise King®
Richard Bejah says
August 3, 2010 at 7:25 amThese PREDATORS that exist in the world are the reason I drive my child to school every day (dtake her direct to classroom) and pick her up every day personally.. There is too much risk not too. Thanks for the information RICH :0)
Melody Lamb says
August 3, 2010 at 7:30 amWow. great point! I would have never thought of labeling kids school belongings as such a risky behavior. Thanks so much for this informative post!
The Franchise King says
August 4, 2010 at 10:00 amFrancis and Michael,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. This is an important post for the parents of school-age children to know of.
The Franchise King®
The Franchise King says
August 4, 2010 at 10:02 amNatalie and Melody,
Thanks for commenting, plus I know you passed this info around.
Someone will really appreciate it, I’m sure.
Stop back, will you?
The Franchise King®
Darren Slaughter says
August 5, 2010 at 3:06 pmI appreciate you taking the time to post this. I forwarded it to my wife who slaps our last name all over my daughter’s stuff. That’s going to change!
The Franchise King says
August 5, 2010 at 6:42 pmDarren,
Thanks for your comment. I have NO idea if this is the right thing to do or not.
It seems like it, though. And the advice IS from a former cop.
The Franchise King®