Connect with us

Parenting

7 ways to protect your child from child traffickers

Cases of children disappearing have risen at an alarming rate and children are being grabbed even outside their doorsteps as they play.

Published

on

Late last year, the BBC published a story on child trafficking in Kenya. The story resulted from a year-long investigation in the streets of Nairobi. According to the story, street children were highly targeted.

Since then, cases of children disappearing have risen at an alarming rate and children are being grabbed even outside their doorsteps as they play. Where kidnapped children end up is anyone’s guess.

The trend has left many parents in a state of panic with most feeling that there is only so much they can do to protect their children. As a parent, there are several things you can do to protect your child as follows:

Ensure you know where your child is at all times.

Teach your child to say where they are going every time they leave the house. Create a safe environment at home and make it easy for your child to trust you. That way they will not be tempted to lie to you or leave without informing you. For the younger children, make sure you can see where they are playing and monitor them.

Teach older children basic self-defence

Self-defence doesn’t need a black belt in karate or competence in Tai Chi. Teach your child how to yell and run. Teach them how to get themselves out of a wrist hold and how to bite to set themselves free.

You can also enrol your child in a self-defence class. Also, have your child memorize some emergency numbers and if they have a phone make sure that these are on speed dial.

Discourage isolation

For older children, teach them that it is safer to walk in numbers and discourage them from going anywhere alone. Teach them to avoid using routes that no one uses or accepting rides from strangers.

Discourage your child from talking to strangers

Warn your child against talking to people they do not know. In the same line, discourage them from accepting gifts from just anyone. Let your child know it is not right for an adult to ask them for any kind of help.

If your child’s school offers transport, ensure you see them off in the morning when the school bus picks them and be there to receive them in the evening or have someone you trust receive them.

If your child goes to school by themselves, accompany them to school or have someone you trust drop and pick them in the evening. Let their teachers know that only you or the trusted person can pick your child from school and no one else.

As much as you can, avoid sending your child anywhere with a rider no matter how you trust them.

Do a thorough background check of house helps

Working parents may not be able to go to work and take care of their children at the same time. Therefore, they rely on house helps. Unfortunately, some children have suffered abuse while others have disappeared in the hands of trusted house helps.

Always do a thorough background check before hiring nannies and house helps. If they were employed elsewhere make sure you know why they left and where possible talk to their former employers. Where possible, hire your house help from a reputable agency.

Ensure your house help has the right identification. You can ask for a police clearance certificate. It may look like you are overdoing things, but you can never overdo anything where the safety of your child is concerned.

Remember to trust your sixth sense, if you sense something’s wrong with someone, do not give them the benefit of doubt.

Monitor your child’s devices

Teach your child how to stay safe online and monitor their conversations and the sites they visit online

Have a code word that your child can use when they need help

Most parents will teach their children a safe word that they can use when they need help. Your child can yell that if you are in the vicinity and someone is trying to take them.

Your child can also use the safe word if you are in the company of others and their friend is in danger. Encourage your kids to seek help even when they sense their friends are in danger.

Also, teach them how to interrupt adults when they need to ask for help.

 

Continue Reading

Cover Story

The joy of controlled freedom in parenting

Published

on

Parenting often revolves around setting boundaries and ensuring children follow rules. While discipline is essential, there is a hidden joy and power in saying “yes” to your child more often. Allowing controlled freedom can be a game-changer in fostering independence, confidence, and resilience in your child.

The Power of Yes

Saying “yes” doesn’t mean giving in to every whim or desire. Instead, it’s about choosing moments where your child can explore their world with freedom.

Whether it’s allowing them to choose their outfit for the day or letting them plan a family outing, these small moments of empowerment build self-esteem.

Building Confidence Through Freedom

Children thrive when they feel trusted. By saying “yes” to reasonable requests, you’re telling your child that you believe in their ability to make decisions.

This trust translates into confidence as they learn to navigate their choices, understanding the consequences and rewards that come with them.

Creating Safe Boundaries

While saying “yes” is powerful, it’s crucial to establish safe boundaries. These boundaries ensure that your child’s freedom doesn’t lead to harm.

For example, you might say, “Yes, you can play outside, but stay where I can see you.” This approach allows freedom within a safe framework, giving your child the space to grow while keeping them protected.

Encouraging Problem-Solving Skills

When you allow your child to make decisions, you’re also teaching them to solve problems. They learn to think critically about their choices, weighing options, and considering outcomes. This skill is invaluable, as it prepares them for real-world challenges.

The Lasting Impact

The simple act of saying “yes” more often can have a profound impact on your child’s development. It’s a way to show trust, build confidence, and encourage independence.

So next time your child asks for something, consider the power of “yes.” It might just be the best answer you give all day.

For more, click HERE to join our WhatsApp channel!

Continue Reading

Cover Story

The joy of controlled freedom in parenting

Published

on

Parenting often revolves around setting boundaries and ensuring children follow rules. While discipline is essential, there is a hidden joy and power in saying “yes” to your child more often. Allowing controlled freedom can be a game-changer in fostering independence, confidence, and resilience in your child.

The Power of Yes

Saying “yes” doesn’t mean giving in to every whim or desire. Instead, it’s about choosing moments where your child can explore their world with freedom.

Whether it’s allowing them to choose their outfit for the day or letting them plan a family outing, these small moments of empowerment build self-esteem.

Building Confidence Through Freedom

Children thrive when they feel trusted. By saying “yes” to reasonable requests, you’re telling your child that you believe in their ability to make decisions.

This trust translates into confidence as they learn to navigate their choices, understanding the consequences and rewards that come with them.

Creating Safe Boundaries

While saying “yes” is powerful, it’s crucial to establish safe boundaries. These boundaries ensure that your child’s freedom doesn’t lead to harm.

For example, you might say, “Yes, you can play outside, but stay where I can see you.” This approach allows freedom within a safe framework, giving your child the space to grow while keeping them protected.

Encouraging Problem-Solving Skills

When you allow your child to make decisions, you’re also teaching them to solve problems. They learn to think critically about their choices, weighing options, and considering outcomes. This skill is invaluable, as it prepares them for real-world challenges.

The Lasting Impact

The simple act of saying “yes” more often can have a profound impact on your child’s development. It’s a way to show trust, build confidence, and encourage independence.

So next time your child asks for something, consider the power of “yes.” It might just be the best answer you give all day.

For more, click HERE to join our WhatsApp channel!

Continue Reading

Lifestyle

Too Late for What? Finding Your Own Pace in a Fast-Paced World

Published

on

In today’s fast-paced world, success is no longer just an achievement; it has become a timeline. Many young people feel an invisible pressure to have their lives “figured out” before they turn 30, a stable job, financial independence, a clear career path, and in some cases, even marriage and children. But who set this deadline, and what happens to those who don’t meet it?

For many young adults, especially in urban settings, the pressure begins early. From school systems that prioritise academic excellence to families that celebrate early milestones, success is often framed as something that must be achieved quickly. Social media adds a layer of curated lifestyles of young entrepreneurs, influencers, and professionals who live what appears to be a perfect life. The comparison is constant and, for some, overwhelming.

Reality, however, is far less linear. Not everyone follows the same path. Some individuals take time to discover their passions, switch careers, or face setbacks that delay their progress. Yet, rather than being seen as part of growth, these delays are often viewed as failures. This perception can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and, in some cases, burnout as young people push themselves to meet expectations.

Parents play a significant role in shaping this narrative. While many have good intentions, wanting their children to succeed and be secure, the way success is communicated can sometimes add pressure. Saying things like “you need to be settled by now” or “your age mates are already ahead” can unintentionally create a sense of inadequacy. Instead of motivation, such statements may lead to fear-driven achievement.

Also Read: Parenting Progress for a Thoughtful Generation

It is also important to question what success truly means. For some, it is financial stability. For others, it may be personal fulfilment, career growth, or the ability to live independently. By narrowing success to a fixed timeline, society risks ignoring the diversity of individual journeys. A 28-year-old still exploring career options is not necessarily behind; they may be in a different phase of discovery.

Mental health is another critical factor often overlooked in this race. The pressure to be successful before 30 can lead to constant stress and comparison, making young people feel like they are always falling short. In extreme cases, this pressure can lead to depression or a sense of hopelessness, especially when achievements don’t come as quickly as expected.

So, what can parents and society do differently?

First, there is a need to define success beyond age. Success should be measured by growth, effort, and resilience, not just milestones achieved by a certain birthday. Encouragement should focus on progress rather than comparison. A child who is still figuring things out at 27 should be supported, not judged.

Second, open conversations are key. Parents should create safe spaces where children can talk about their struggles without fear of criticism. Understanding that life is not a straight path allows for more empathy and guidance rather than pressure.

Lastly, society must embrace the idea that everyone’s journey is different. Some people bloom early, others are late bloomers, and both are valid. Success is not a race with a fixed finish line, but a journey with many different routes.

Turning 30 should not feel like a deadline for achievement, but rather a checkpoint, a moment to reflect, grow, and continue building a meaningful life, not rushed.

Also Read: Raising children to be successful adults

For more, click HERE to join our WhatsApp channel!

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2017 Zox News Theme. Theme by MVP Themes, powered by WordPress.