Moms Talk: Stranger Danger

It's the sort of story a parent reads with a tight feeling in their chest.

Last week, a mom on Fairfield Drive called Avon police after a man tried to . The man reportedly told the elementary school-aged boy that he wanted directions. The boy didn't get into the car. Instead, he went home and told his mom, who called police.

The only description of the man was that he was somewhere between 30 and 50 years old, with short dark hair. He was driving a small blue 4-door car with tinted windows.

Police were unable to find him.

With the weather getting warmer, the kids are heading outdoors. As they ride their bikes to friends' homes or head out to the park, the fear can be there for parents. Someone could be out there, ready to take your kid and make them another Sara Anne Wood, Polly Klaas, Jaycee Dugard or Shawn Hornbeck.

The reality is that children are in far greater danger of abuse or violence close to home, from people they know. But the unknown, the "stranger danger," is more menacing to parents because it's something they can't control.

There are things parents can do:

• Talk with your kids in an age-appropriate way and help them learn to handle themselves in situations that could be dangerous.
• Teach them that if someone tries to get them into a car, or they're in a situation where they don't feel safe, get away and find a parent or trusted adult. And, adults, if they come to you, don't wait. Call police immediately. The longer you wait, the further away the person gets and the less likely it is police can find them.

This week, let's talk about kids, "stranger danger," and fear. What do you do to help your kids be safe when you're not right there with them? How do you deal with fear? How do you balance keeping your child safe with letting them take small steps towards independence?

Joining us on Moms Talk is our wonderful Moms Council:

 is our parenting columnist. Julie, a longtime reporter and communications professional, is a first-time mom of a son born in November.

 works in healthcare. She and husband Timothy have a daughter, Amara. Monina is also a member of the Disney Moms Panel, one of 15 moms selected nationwide, advising people online about planning Disney vacations.

 is a mom of three children ages 5 and under with her husband, Bill. She also works part-time.

 is a native of New Jersey. She is a marketing professional who has worked in advertising, market research, vending and equipment companies. She and her husband live in Avon with their two children.

 is a mom to a Girl Scout and lives in Avon.

So, as Linda Richman used to say on "Coffee Talk" ... Talk amongst yourselves.