Just by following these three basic strategies you can help guard against child predators.

Nov. 23, 2011 - PRLog -- Predators try to trick children into becoming victims by abusing their authority, offering gifts, instilling fear, and so on.  But just by following these three basic strategies you can lay a foundation that will help protect your child (and other children) from becoming a victim.

First, teach your children that they have the right to protect themselves against adults who are considered authority figures.   Child safety advocate, Michael Pouls, encourages parents to “Empower your children with the confidence to trust their instincts, and to be assertive when it comes to protecting their own well being.”  

Second, make your home a refuge.  Your home should be a place where your children feel supported, and feel free to express their feelings – even regarding sensitive matters.  Michael Pouls sums it up as follows, “Your child should understand that he/she can discuss anything with you, and that no subject is considered taboo.”

Third, if your child does express feelings of uneasiness regarding another person, or even relays information about an inappropriate event or situation, believe that your child is telling the truth and immediately call the authorities.  “You have the power to stop the situation from progressing further and to prevent another child from becoming a victim,” says Michael Pouls, “be an advocate for your child and take action.”

For more child safety tips, please visit www.michaelpouls.info.