HALLOWEEN - PROTECT THE LITTLE ONES, TWEENS AND TEENS

Years ago, we could walk all over and trick or treat and we were safe for the most part. Once in a while there would be another kid that grabbed someone's bag of candy and would run. There weren't crazy people that have no thought about others by putting dangerous things in kids candy. There weren't Child Predators that were looking at our children as their next prey, or target for their sexual perversion.

I don't believe that we will ever know for certain just how wide spread this problem is. I think the statistics that are reported yearly only includes reported cases, and not the cases that people didn't want to report



Today, I think we all agree, we don't live in a perfect world. I am going to give you some suggestions for this up and coming Halloween that will help not just your children but others also.

1. Don't think that it is only children that are dressed in disguises. Predators can be hiding under a costume and behind a mask. They can be locating their next child that they are going to prey on.

2. Predators come in all sizes and shapes, big and tall, or short and small and everything in between.

3. Halloween is celebrated all across our country, and there are no demographics that Halloween or a Child Predator can't use to get to your children.

4. Predators will be preying in wealthy neighborhoods, middle class, and poor neighbors. Predators know no borders.

5. Go with your children on Halloween night, don't believe that just because your tween or teen is trick or treating with a group of friends that they will be safe.

6. Don't put a long distance between your children on a street while they are trick or treating.

7. If the street you are on with your child is very dark, then stay closer and don't put any distance between you and your children.

8. If you see some children and you feel like someone is following them or something isn't right, make a difference and go to them and see if everything is okay.

9. Don't allow your child to wear a sexually provocative costume, don't give the predators anything to feed on or excite them.

10. If you are staying home to pass out candy, don't ask your children to pass it out while you go into another room and rest. The predator coming to your door for candy can be doing his research to see how many kids reside there and the easiest way in and out.

11. Keep your eyes opened, take the time to go with your children as they collect their treats, do all you can to keep your children safe.

12. If something doesn't look right, it probably isn't, so pay attention, and help to keep all children safe.

13. Take the time to research the Sex Offender Registry in your state, and learn who is a Sex Offender in the neighborhoods your children will be trick or treating in. You can then avoid your child going to the door of a Sex Offender.

Have a safe and fun Halloween. Be aware of your child's surroundings as you walk with them, and spend some time with them on Halloween evening.

God Bless Each of My Friends,
Sher