There is a WhatsApp forward about how an 8-year-old girl was approached by a stranger at school who told her to come with him because something was wrong with her mom. She asked him for a password and ran away when he didn t reply.
This password probably saved her life and it can work for your child too. You can introduce a password from the time she starts attending pre-primary school.
What is this password system?
Nothing complicated. It is just a word that only you and your daughter know about. Basically, you need to teach her that only those who know the password are allowed to pick her up. It is to ensure that your child does not leave from school with anybody.
But just selecting this secret code word is not enough because kids do not always remember these things. The one day you are late for picking her up is not the day to worry whether she will remember the password chosen 3 months ago. It is better to inculcate this habit of asking for a password by making it part of her daily routine. So when you go to school, she should ask you for a password and you should whisper it in her ear. In the beginning, she may forget and you can remind her to ask you for the password. In time, it will become second nature.
Types of words to use
Just as you make sure your ATM password is not your birthday or anniversary or anything that is common knowledge, spend some time to select the right password. It should not be a word that can easily come up in a conversation. Here are some tips to choose the right password.
Word of caution
Don t mention it to your friends thinking it is cute. You may trust them, but you never know who they might mention it to. Or who is overhearing what you say. It is also not about teaching your children not to talk to strangers. It is often people we know and not strangers who may cause harm, so it is important to teach kids not to go even with people they know unless they use the password.
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