Use these "Tips for Tots" with your children who are too young to read. It is important that you not frighten your child but, with repeated lessons - as with play school -teach him or her the following:

1. Never get into a car with a stranger.

2. Always play with a friend -"Be a Buddy."

3. Do not take presents from strangers. Explain what those presents could be, such as candy, money, etc.

4. If a car pulls up where you are playing, back away and run either home or to a safe house.

5. Teach him / her where a safe house is if you are going to be out.

6. Teach your child to cry loudly for help and run if he/she is followed by foot or by car.

7. Teach your child their name, address, phone number and 911 (emergency) and/or 0 for Operator.

8. Practice dialing your number - including area code.

9.Teach your child a code word - and he/she is only to go with someone who knows the code word (make it simple and reiterate often).

10. Teach your children to NEVER let anyone touch them in a way they do not like -especially in an area covered by a bathing suit and tell them that if this happens it's not their fault, that they should tell you immediatly.

11. Assure them of your love and that they will not be blamed if they tell you the truth.

12. Never go anywhere without permission.

It is sometimes a better learning experience if you teach several young children at the same time. Repeat often as young children have a short memory span. Be sure to assure them of your love approval.