Stereotyping

April 2008

When Tori Stafford went missing, it scared me. Liam is almost the same age. So I decided to sit down and really talk with him about these kind of things.

Mommy: "Look at this," *Showing him a picture of Tori* "This little girl went missing. She's only 8 years old, almost your age. I want to make sure you know what you should do if a stranger approaches you."

Liam: "Uh, yeah. Never talk to strangers, you tell me that all the time."

Mommy: "Yes, that's right. But sometimes you forget that. Most of the time strangers who want to kidnap kids use cute animals like kittens or puppies as their lure. Or a treat like a candy or an ice cream. Kids forget about not talking to strangers when they get excited about seeing a cute pet or getting a treat. So whenever someone ask you if you want to see an animal or getting a treat. You say??"

Liam: "I say no, I know that already."

Mommy: "That's right. If they grab you, just scream. You can ONLY go with me or your family. Like Tanya, Grandpa, Jeff (etc etc etc)."

Liam: "Or my friends, and their parents."

Mommy: "Well, yes, you can but ALWAYS ask me or Jeff FIRST.... no matter what."

Liam: "What about Tori?"

Mommy: "No one knows where she is. There was a video of Tori walking away with a woman. This lady kidnapped her."

Liam: "No, it can't be. Women don't do that."

Mommy: "Oh, no, anyone can do that. You have to be careful of all people, no matter gender or age."

Liam: "That is crazy... she must have been drunk."