Tips That Can Save Your Kidâs Life.
THIS IS IMPORTANTÂ
When I was a child, from the time I was about four and could understand things, my mom told me and my brother that we should have a secret word. That way, if we were ever in trouble or felt unsafe and we didnât want the people around us to know we needed her to come get us, we could let her know. So she let us pick the word and my brother and I chose the phrase âpeanut butter cups.â (Iâm happy to share the phrase now since both my brother and I are adults now).Â
I used the phrase twice in my life. Once, I was at a friends house when I eight years old. Her dad got really drunk and was throwing things against the wall. I was really scared and I didnât want to draw attention to myself on the phone when I called my mom to come get me because I didnât know if he would get more violent if I asked her to come get me. So I called her and was calm and after a couple minutes I asked âHey mommy, did you get me those peanut butter cups from the store?â And she said âIâll be right there.â And she came and got me within minutes.Â
Second, I was a teenager spending the night at a friends house. Her brother and dad were drinking and they started talking about things that made me uncomfortable - ie: what they liked to do to women. My friend didnât seem perturbed and said that was normal for them and that I shouldnât worry. But I was worried because they were really drunk and I was 15 and the only âwomanâ around that wasnât related to them. I went in my friends room, told her I needed to call my mom and say goodnight. Before I hung up with her I asked âNext time we go to the store, can we get some peanut butters cups? Iâve been craving them.â And she came and got me, just like that.Â
Two incidents, one as a young child, one years later as a teen. Donât discredit this stuff, it fucking works. My brother used it a few times too. Let your child pick the word and no never, ever, ever, ever get mad at them for using it no matter what it is.Â
DO NOT SCROLL PAST THAT.
Off topic, but very important! I was taught to yell âthis is not my mom/dad.â A young kid freaking out in public is likely to be ignored out of embarrassment, but a kid telling you right out that they donât know who is messing with them? That will turn heads.
SIGNAL BOOST
90% of all child molesters are members of the family, close family friends, or an adult in a trusted position of authority. All of this is important but one more thing:
Never instil an unwavering ârespect for their eldersâ in your child, and never chastise them for âtattlingâ on or feeling uncomfortable around an older relative/family friend/teacher .etc.
