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Again, we hear about a girl who spoke with a stranger in the park...

Writer: אילנה כהנא אילנה כהנא
6 days ago

On one hand, we want to teach our children to be cautious of strangers and dangers, and at the same time, we want them to dare, to be independent, to be polite, and to see others.


How do we explain the fine line between someone who greets you when entering an elevator and someone who starts a conversation with a child in the park or on the street?


This topic comes up again and again, especially now, in the summer, during the long vacation, when children spend a lot of time outside, in the park, or walking the dog...


Here’s one idea to mediate and teach children to be cautious of dangers, which I’m sharing again because it’s so, so important.


There are good people out there, but there are also, unfortunately, many dangers.


The game is called **#Warning_Bell** 🛎🛎🛎


Here’s how it works: Explain to the children that we all have a warning bell in our body and ask them to try to feel and listen to their bell carefully.


Then, give them various scenarios and ask if their bell would ring or not.


For example:


If a soft and cuddly kitten 🐱 comes and sits next to you, would your bell ring?


Most children will say no...


And if a stranger 🧔🏻 comes and sits next to you, would your bell ring?


Most children will say yes...


And so, during any free time, at dinner or while driving in the car, we can play “Warning Bell.” Sometimes we provide the scenarios, and sometimes the children do. This way, we teach them to:


**#Listen_to_their_inner_voice**

**#Connect_to_their_intuition**

**#Identify_red_flag_situations**


Along the way, we can also guide them on what to do when the bell rings. For example:


- Immediately approach a parent/teacher/caregiver

- Only go with a friend

- Run to a crowded place

- Call a close person/police immediately, etc.


So how do you play?


For example:


What makes your bell ring?


- A hug from mom or dad? (Does it ring or not?)

- A stranger promising you candy if you come with them? (Yes/No)

- A friend inviting you to their house? (Yes/No)

- An adult telling you not to tell anyone what happened? (Yes/No)

- An uncle taking you out for a fun day? (Yes/No)

- An uncle hugging you in an uncomfortable way? (Yes/No)

- Mom helping you choose clothes? (Yes/No)

- Someone at school asking you to take off your pants? (Yes/No)

- A stranger wanting to tell you a secret? (Yes/No)

- A friend telling you a secret? (Yes/No)


Through this game, we create open and honest communication with our children, teach them tools and coping strategies, and most importantly – **#Teach_them_to_listen_to_their_intuition**, identify risky situations, and send a clear message – that we are here for them.


So next time you’re driving in the car or having dinner together...


Play Warning Bells 🛎🛎🛎


*The idea for the game comes from psychologist Nigel Latta, who specializes in child therapy.*


*You can also play with a real bell. Place a bell in the center of the table, and every time an appropriate statement is made, ring the bell.*


*Feel free to share so it reaches as many parents as possible.*


For you, here are additional guidelines recommended by the website "Reliable Information About Sex."


You can find more information at the link:





 

Thank you for reading!I invite you to stay connected and join our community:

See you in the next post! 🌟

Ilana Cahana 

Personalized Teaching | Parent Counseling and Guidance | ADHD | Integrative Coaching for Children and Teens | Lectures for Parents and Educational Staff

For contact and scheduling an appointment:  

Phone - 0535453350  



 

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