what do you think?

[TankGirl]

Amen!

I don't think a parent in thier right mind wouldn't warn their child about preditors this day and age--and if they don't they are totally out to lunch. But as to telling a child exactally why they need to be werry should what until just before pubrty.

Ummm...I haven't "warned" my dd (aged 10) about "predators", and I don't consider myself "totally out to lunch". I am a SAHM, so have a great deal of contact with her on a daily basis. She is not put in potentially dangerous situations, but is spoken to about talking to us if anything makes her feel uncomfortable, or if anyone tries to pressure her into doing anything which makes her uncomfortable (but with the focus on peer activity). I don't think she needs to know that there may be adults out there who might want to hurt her. There's such a thing as innocence in childhood.

My mum dragged me indoors at the age of 10 & spilled all the gory details to me when I was utterly not ready to hear it. I was disgusted, and just wanted to go back outside to play.

I have attempted to raise the issue with dd, but she is unwilling to go there yet, so I won't push her. When she is good & ready will be time enough. She knows she can ask me whatever she wants anytime she wants to...

Here's a great story by a famous UK doctor whose young son asked her where he comes from. She filled him in on all the facts, and he replied "OK, but Billy said he comes from Manchester, where do I come from?"