My son is 12 years old and is afraid to be kidnapped what should I say??

Question

Hes never acted this way before please help me.

Answer 1

I had a very serious fear of being kidnapped when I was young. So much that I carried my little craft scissors in my pocket when I left school. My mother was very reassuring but it really didnt help. The fact that my father wasnt around made me feel no one could protect me. I dont know your situation, but maybe talking with a counselor will help

Answer 2

When I was young, one of the things that comforted me somewhat at night was having a dog in the house (we always had at least one).  They always slept in the main room on the ground floor.  My dad explained (and rightly so) that their sense is much more keen than a human's, and if anyone tried to get in the house and up the stairs, they'd warn us of danger, and also probably scare off the criminals before they even got in.  (Although, not all dogs may work the best for this- for instance, I've always liked golden retrievers, but our cousins had one that seemed to greet anybody that walked into their house with a friendly wagging tail, lol...  but we always had labs and english setters, and both alerted us pretty well to any outside activity).  The other thing that comforted me more than that- and still does- was becoming a Christian.  I knew that even if (& when) the worst things in life ever happened to me, I'd be with God in the end.  Knowing this gave me a lot of peace, and I still remember when somebody explained to me from the Bible that both life and death are like the snap of a finger, in comparison with eternity.  (James 4:14)

Answer 3

Let him know that you would never let it happen. Also tell him ways that he can prevent it from happening like kick and scream ways that would get him noticed so someone will come and help.

Answer 4

There is always that chance, but it's rare.  As parents we want nothing more than to keep our kids safe, and sometimes we don't realize we put irrational fears in their easily influential minds.  The thing to do is to ease his fears.  Remind him not to speak to strangers, stay away from cars when people stop and ask direction, don't take shortcuts home, and use the buddy system if possible.  You could even get him a prepaid cell phone in case of emergency's.  

Eventually, his fears will subside.  You can't promise him it will never happen because you cant predict the future.  But, you can tell him you'll do everything you can to keep him safe.

Answer 5

Tell him to think positive and have faith, he won't get kidnapped, and he has a long life ahead of him and nothing will go wrong if you think positive about yourself =]. And be protective. Tell him people close to him will protect him like you =].

Answer 6

Tell him, the worse things we can imagine, or think of happening to us, usually never happen.

Answer 7

Tell him to quit watching the news. It's on to scare you.

Answer 8

You can't tell him that it can never happen because that would be a lie. You don't want him running around the streets talking to strangers because his father told him "no one will ever hurt you"  but you can tell him that you will always keep him safe. Ask him why this is suddenly bothering him so much (there may be a reason behind it, like a story he heard or something) and tell him how you will always protect him. Just make him feel safe and comforted. That's the best I can say. Good luck!

Answer 9

sh<i>t I'm 22 and I'm still afraid of being kidnapped or raped or something... i don't blame him... this world is a sick sad little place full of perverted sick-os! you should be thankful he is so cautious. i don't go anywhere anymore alone....

Answer 10

just get him prepare 4 it caz if he kno wat 2 do he would have a better chance of fearness if it happen to him in real life

Answer 11

As a fifteen year old, who does in fact live in the crappy state of Ohio (at least I think it's crappy) my biggest fear in my life has always been to become kidnapped, raped, or have someone break into our house. It's so bad that I can't stay home by myself at home in case my parents have to work extra hours and I have to have a routine that has every light in the house to be turned on, I need the TV in my room to be up, and if it means I will sweat like a pig but I will still be safe in my room in the morning when I wake up, I will not have the ceiling fan on.

I also am not a big fan of watching the news either, it's not that I don't like it, I just don't like hearing those stories about rapists and kidnapping. The main concern for me is if it's happening in the state and in my city, if it is and I know - I will go into total panic mode.

I can't really tell you what you can do, because if I could I probably would have had this problem straightened out a long time ago. But one thing is - you can't really lie to him about this. Because these things do happen and you hear about it a lot sadly.

But I have been thinking about this (and maybe you should consider this for your son) in taking self - defense courses or whatever, that way if I ever (and I hope never ever) happen to be in a situation such as being kidnapped or whatever or attacked, I can defend myself and fight back. Maybe you should consider that for your son, because it might him feel slightly more safer that he can defend himself if there ever would be a situation. I wish I could have taken karate or something like that when I was younger (I didn't want to because I wasn't into that sort of thing) but now I see it as an excellent idea.

I'm sorry if I'm not of any help, but I did want to answer to let you know is that your son isn't the only person who may feel this way. I feel this way to. And you know what, it's sad he and I and any other person should have to feel this way. We have to feel so worried and fear for our life because of the perverted sicko's running around these days!

However maybe talk to your son about it, have a long talk, and maybe look into something like karate or anything that teaches you self defense and I hope things look up for you guys.

Answer 12

i think its becuse the movies he watch or most people  get kidnapped every day keep him in the house and stay close and tell ask him whats rong why are u feeling like this and talk to him like a mother son bond

Answer 13

Empower him by telling him things he can do to prevent something like that from happening, for example - staying with you at the store, not talking to people he doesn't know, etc.

Answer 14

Fgure out what is making thim feel scared, if its a negitive influence from a freind or hes watching movies that are too advanced for him. Tell him that there is no need to be afraid, because you and his dad will always be there to look out for him. His friends and the rest of his family will always be looking out for him. Dont sugar coat life though, he needs to know that not everyone is a good person, but as long as he is careful about being out and about and about who he be-freinds, he will be okay. If you are religious, let him know that god will always be looking out for him as well.

Answer 15

Tell him you'd never let that happen to him.

Answer 16

tell him he should be scared there are crazy people out there but that why u never talk to strangers and never go alone with out people not know where u are going u have to use your mind cause im not going to be here every time u get in a situation that needs help

Answer 17

Tell him-

you won't let that happen

&

just teach him what to do if a stranger does take him or talk to him.

just teach him about being safe.

Answer 18

He's at an age where he's expected to more or less take care of himself, and it scares him. Can you enroll him in karate or some other self-defense course in your area? He needs to build up his self-confidence. Is he at home alone after school while you work? You may want to find a safer place for him to go for a few hours. Check on after-school programs at churches and the Y.

Answer 19

Just be honest with him.  It does happen but he can decrease the chances by making sure he is always with a buddy or an adult he trusts.  Not to walk the streets alone and when you go the store or something stick with you or whoever he is with.  Go over what to do if someone does try to take him (scream and fight). He should be able to go out and do things but it doesn't hurt for him to understand that there are dangers out there as well.  If it gets to a point where he is so afraid that he doesn't want to leave the house or something along those lines i would recommend councling.  Children see on the news and hear about it constantly how children are being kidnapped, raped, killed and dumped so it is understandable that they would be afraid.

Answer 20

your son should be afraid to get kidnapped there are alot of weirdos out there and you see on the news more  and more that its happening. You should tell him that its ok to be scared and teach  him ways to avoid it..don't talk to strangers, lock doors when home alone, never tell someone on the phone that his parents aren't there and he's home alone..teach the buddy system, ect. Tell him always be cautious but not to let it rule his life!

Answer 21

tell him to stop being such a sissy.

Answer 22

What is triggering it? The news or did it happen close to home, or hear it from someone? Need a little more back ground on why he suddenly feels this way.

You know being a woman I have a lot of the same type of fears, there is no way I can defend my kids like my husband could if we had an intruder etc. First of all turn off the news, if it makes him that worried he should not be watching it, I am very selective in what news my kids watch.

What helped me when my husband was gone for the night was to have a plan. I kept a phone by me at all times, I had an escape route planned, keys near by. If he is home alone now for the first time, have him plan things out. I also think a self defense class is a good idea like someone else said. And what I have tired to instill in my kids is if someone is kidnapping you fight with all your might and make some noise, scream "help me, let go of me" etc. as loud as you can, react before fear takes over.

And the best defense you have is not to put yourself in a situation you cannot get out of, if something does not feel right leave. If he has to go to a friends house for a while or family instead of being alone have him do that. It took me years to not be terrified when he was gone. I also have everything similar to when everyone is home that way it is not as obvious you are alone.

Answer 23

do you have any security system?  show it to your son and explain how it works.  find a way for him to make sure he feels safe.

Answer 24

Teach him how to protect himself if faced in that situation.  Give him ease of knowing he can defend himself.  this will calm his fears and make him more confident.

Answer 25

I'm watching a show on E! right now about kidnapped children & its scarey.  Is your son watching this by any chance?    I'm not sure what to tell him though, good luck.