[ElkGroveDan]

The code word thing is dangerous, because you are directing your child to engage in conversation with the stranger.

Since the possibility of me sending someone unknown to my kids to pick them up is exactly nil, I just tell them to get away from the stranger as quickly as possible and don't argue, discuss, debate, talk or go near them.

[netmilsmom]

>>The code word thing is dangerous, because you are directing your child to engage in conversation with the stranger.
Since the possibility of me sending someone unknown to my kids to pick them up is exactly nil, I just tell them to get away from the stranger as quickly as possible and don't argue, discuss, debate, talk or go near them.<<

My sisters told their kids not to go near strangers at all as well and used the code word thing for anyone else.
Both my sisters had their kids in the same school. My middle sister asked my oldest to pick all the kids up one day. My niece refused to go with her aunt because she didn't know the code word. They had to go to the office to call and find out what it was.

That girl got a big hug and all the kids got ice cream to celebrate.

Sometimes a person who is familiar is out to hurt a child. A neighbor or church member. That is who the code word is for.

[nonsporting]

The code word thing is dangerous, because you are directing your child to engage in conversation with the stranger.

That's right.

My children are ALWAYS under adult supervision. This child was walking home (albeit with her friends) w/o an adult. (I know it's an accepted practice, but a dangerous one--times have changed.) A more daring childnapper could have grabbed her and taken off, codeword or not.