It's a parent's worst nightmare. Your child is walking home and a predator tries to pick her up. What can parents do to help protect their child?

1. Make sure your child has a plan. Parents have to be the safety experts and safety instructors. Teach your child a plan to use in an emergency situation.

2. Make sure the plan is specific. Help your child develop techniques to avoid panicking in a frightening situation. Stress smart choices, not scared reactions.

3. Stranger does not necessarily equal danger. It is more important that a child recognize a dangerous action than a potentially dangerous person. A stranger who drives by in a car and waves is not dangerous, but if the stranger stops the car, gets out, and approaches your child, that is a dangerous action.

4. Focus on what to do. A long list of "do nots" will only confuse a child.

5. Make "No" an action verb. A child can express "no" by screaming for help, kicking, and/or running away. In a dangerous situation, actions speak louder than words, even if it means being rude to an adult.

Remember, if you need a personal injury lawyer or a wrongful death lawyer, the lawyers at Dallas law firm Street and Ragsdale are here for you. Contact our lawyers if you'd like free no-obligation assistance with your case.

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