The idea of “stranger danger” is often too broad a concept for children to grasp as not all strangers are dangerous, and children will always be meeting new people and on occasion may need to ask a stranger for help. Instead of issuing a blanket warning, try these tips for keeping children safe around people they do not know. If an unknown adult approaches them, have them check with a parent or known and trusted adult before engaging in conversation. This can be as simple as a quick look to the parent followed by a nod indicating that it is okay to interact. As an adult yourself, you can set a good example by talking first to parents, then to children in their care. This helps your own children see how trustworthy adults engage with children around their parents and helps them learn caution for adults who do not act in the same way. For more tips, request the VIRTUS® article “Communication Tip No. 5: Stranger Danger” at lacatholics.org/did-you-know.