DVD Review: Stranger Safety

Because I am a dad and because I teach aikido to kids, their safety is extremely important to me. So, as I peruse books and other material concerning child safety, I'll post my thoughts on them.

I recently watched a DVD called "Stranger Safety" with my daughter. It is created by Julie Clark (founder of Baby Einstein Company) and John Walsh (host of America's Most Wanted). It is divided into two parts. Part 1 concerns "Don't Knows." The DVD explains that "Don't Knows" are people that you don't know who you should always run away from and not talk to. This is the ever important "Don't talk to strangers" warning. I liked how it stressed that kids have to do more than not talking to strangers but they need to run to their Safe Side Adult who will be there to keep them self. It also goes through various scenarios to help the kids not be tricked into going along with someone they don't know.

The second part of the video addresses "Kinda Knows" - people who the child knows somewhat. Such people could be friends of their parents, coaches, teachers, and neighbors. It also provides scenarios of "kinda knows" trying to trick kids into being alone with them. Part 2 is extremely important to go over with your kids. I go over it with my oldest about once a week.

The DVD is enjoyable to watch and will hold a kid's (and adult's) interest. I highly recommend it.

Here's the Safe Side website.