Training your Toddler to communicate with a stranger

You definitely want your child to be independent, but also safe.¹

Teaching your child about stranger danger is an important part of a child’s development – similar to learning to look both ways when crossing the street.¹ 

Teach your child to trust and respect police officers, doctors, nurses and other public safety people.²

It is important to teach them how to be safe.²

Safety tips^1,2

• Teach your child that a stranger can be anybody who is unfamiliar, even if they seem friendly.
• Avoid leaving your child outside to play alone.
• Teach your child to scream, run or kick if an unknown person tries to take them.
• The concept of "good" touch and "bad" touch should be taught to them from a young age.
• Teach your child to inform you if they are not comfortable around any adult or older child.
• Create a loving and trusting environment so your child can talk to you safely about their feelings.
• Teach your child that it’s OK to say “no.”
• Teach your child to stay away from strangers, not to go with them, avoid taking chocolates from them, and staying away from a stranger’s car.
• Help your child identify safe adults, such as police officers, whom they can go to if they sense danger.