I read a great book on the topic of "stranger Danger". The Book is titled Protecting the Gift and is written by someone who had been an FBI profiler. His advice is to teach children NOT to stay away from all strangers but to find a Mom with children. ( would not have helped our little friend here- but in most cases could be applicable)
I have had two experiences with lost children. Once I found a very small child in a parking lot at Target and he had obviously gotten lost and left the store. He was petrified and I asked him if I could help him and he cried and ran further INTO the parking lot!!! (UGH)
Last weekend I found a three year old girl who was so scared she could not tell me her name. I just kept telling her it was OK I was a Mom and my son was with me, and I promised her that her Mom was looking for her- because Moms do not leave places without their children. And I promised her we would not rest until we found her Mom. She held onto me for dear life- but at least she went. IT took a while but we did find her Mom.
I got a lot of good advice from that book.
Raising children is not for the timid or weak of heart, is it?
*sigh*
I remember reading that book a couple of years ago. It's in the Meck. library. Thanks for the reminder - I should check it out again! I remember the "find a woman with kids" advice, because it was different from "find a police officer." The author pointed out that most people in uniform aren't police officers, and are no more likely to be safe to approach than any randomly-selected man.