* Point out that adults shouldn't make buddies with kids. Caution children to ask parents about going into the homes of neighbors who are family friends.

• 4) A child is at a video arcade with friends. A stranger approaches and tells him/her that he has a whole collection of really cool video games at home just around the corner and invites him/her over to play.

* Point out that the children should stick with friends or family whenever they go out and again, adults shouldn't make buddies with kids.

• 5) A child is at the park practicing a dance routine with friends. A stranger approaches and says he/she sure is attractive and talented. He says he would like to take his/her picture. He says not to tell anyone because then they can surprise her parents.

* Point out that if a child wants to be a superstar, then his/her parents will help them by taking them to appropriate agencies.

At this point, praise and reassure the children about their responses and quick thinking. Tell them that it's going to get harder now.

• 6) A stranger comes up to a child during recess and says, "Your Daddy is sick, and I'm here to take you to the hospital."

* Point out that no one should ever approach you on the school grounds without a pass from the office. (Make sure children know what your school badges look like.) Explain that if a child's father were really ill, his/her mother would send a person the child knew and trusted with the family code word. (Explain a family code word is a word that no one outside of the family should ever know. If someone uses it then the child will know they can be trusted.) Even so, if at school, the child should insist on going to the office and having the teacher, or secretary check on the situation before going with the person. They should do this even if the stranger is dressed in a uniform and says s/he is a police officer.

• 7) A stranger approaches a child while waiting to be picked up from the dentist's office. The stranger tells the child that the child's parents are dead and s/he needs to come live with him/her.

* Point out its not true! If it were, another trusted adult would tell you and take care of you.

• 8) A child's been in trouble at school and his or her divorced parents have been mad at him or her. They even had a fight about if the child should be grounded. A stranger approaches and says, "Your mom told me what you've been doing and she doesn't want you anymore, but I do."

* Point out parents love them no matter what.

• 9) A child is logged on-line to his/her personal home computer. He/she has been corresponding with a "friendly" stranger. This adult has told him/her not to tell his/her parents that they have been using electronic mail and been writing to each other through the bulletin board. Lately the stranger has been telling the child that he has some pictures he would like to send to him/her.

* Point out that adults shouldn't ever be communicating with kids on their computers without their parents knowledge or permission.

Now, tell the children they've been doing great, and you are very proud of them. Now it's time for the hardest situations of all.

• 10) A stranger comes and says "Come with me or I'll kill you with a knife." Practice Yell, Run, and Tell response.

* Point out children should kick, bite, scream, or do anything to get away unless they see a weapon. If they do see a weapon comply with the stranger until the weapon is out of the stranger's reach. Do not cooperate if you do not see a weapon even if the person says they will hurt a loved one who may or may not be with them.

• 11) A child is waiting outside the entrance of a hotel for his or her dad to bring the car around. A stranger grabs him or her and put him or her in a car. (Tell children not to fasten their seatbelts and jump out at a stop or if the car slows for any reason.)

* Point out that a child should accompany a parent whenever at all possible rather than waiting. If that is not possible, the parent should find a ticket taker or receptionist with whom the child can wait.

Tell the children that if they ever get lost at a store, mall or amusement park, they need to find someone who works there right away and tell them they need help finding their parents or caretakers.

Show children the wanted posters they will need to complete for homework to help them identify themselves and their parents. Emphasize that the children are loved and wanted very much. Emphasize that most adults care about and want to protect them, but if someone tries to hurt them, now they have some tools to protect themselves.

Here, you may want to quickly discuss that if someone comes to the door when children are home alone or with siblings, they should not open the door. They can say that their parents are in the shower or working and do not want to be disturbed. They should then be able to call parents or neighbors or if they are worried, 911 and report the stranger. There should be no hesitation to call 911 if the children are alone and afraid (especially if the stranger does not go away immediately or returns to the door). Remind them that it doesn't matter if the stranger is friendly or wearing a uniform. If the person really is a police officer s/he wouldn't mind if you call the police department first to check before you let him/her in.

Latchkey children's parents should have "No Soliciting" signs posted prominently.

The same precautions prevail if children answer the phone when they are home alone. They should always act as if an adult is present, but unable to come to the phone.

This is another good place to take a break. Again, the break should allow children freedom to move and speak.