As a parent of three young daughters, I make it a point to regularly go over these tips and stress how important it is to communicate any fear they may face. Of course I do not want them walking through life in a constant state of anxiety, but I also do not want them to be "easy targets" for someone who may want to harm them. They all know that their best moment for help is the moment something is happening. They are being taught that a stranger is not to be believed, that their safety is better ensured if they scare the stranger.

Talk to your children. Whatever their age, communicate to them that NOISE is their best defense. And as you tuck your child into bed tonight, checking the windows, checking the doors, know that you have armed them with a tool to combat fear and help ensure that their, and your, sweet dreams are not turned into nightmares.

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