What Would You Do? Stranger Speaking to Children in the Magic Valley

What would you do? What would you do if you found out a stranger had stopped their car to talk to your child, specifically offering them candy on their way home from school? Odds are reading that statement is making your blood boil, especially if you are a parent. You likely feel frustration, but how would you handle it? Would you let the anger consume you and go attack, or would you be logical? Would you notify anyone, or would you handle the situation yourself? Would you let others know in the area or keep it to yourself? This is a real situation that can happen any day, despite what many think, and if it were to happen to your child, what would you do?

Strange Adult Talking to Kids in the Magic Valley

Recently, there have been rumors that a man in the Magic Valley has been stopping to talk to kids as they are riding their bikes or walking home from school. Some children have told their parents that the man offered them candy, while in another situation, he asked to watch kids jump their bikes. Either way, you look at it, the behavior is unacceptable for an adult to be approaching elementary and middle school kids when their parents are not around. This is a situation that is every parent's worst nightmare, and sadly is a threat to happen in the Magic Valley. As a parent, what is the best way to handle this situation, knowing someone like this is in the area, and assuming they aren't the only one?

How to Handle Strangers Talking to Children in the Magic Valley

As a parent, this is frightening, and as a dad it makes me clinch my fists and want to swing at the person doing this, and likely others feel the same. While some have taken to Facebook to warn others in the community to be aware of the situation and to watch their children, is that the right action as well? There are many choices, but what is the best? One thing that many have not seemed to do is contact authorities, which seems like it should be the first thing done to make sure they can monitor the area and possibly find the person doing these things. Making sure your children are prepared for this type of scenario also is crucial, since likely you would not be around if someone approached them. 

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No adult should be approaching kids who aren't theirs, especially to offer them candy or watch them ride their bikes. That doesn't stop some them from doing these actions, and how parents respond is important. While physical threats may seem natural, sadly that is not the best solution. Notifying authorities and sharing with the community seems logical, but likely isn't enough for most parents. If your child approaches you and tells you that a stranger approached them on their way home from school or while playing outside, what would you do?