Stranger Danger: Why Even the Best-Taught Kids Can Be Caught Off Guard

Let me start by being honest and upfront about the nausea i'm feeling writing this weeks blog. I'm sitting her with a screwed up face feeling physically ill that we even need to to do this let alone how young we need to start these conversations.
As many of you know, and for the information for those that don't, I also own From The Heart. A supportive space for parents and carers at all stages of raising kids. While writing this weeks blog i felt it important to share this with my Today Tomorrow & Always   community too. 

Last night, my daughter and son-in-law decided to put Miss 3, my sweet granddaughter, to the test.

Like many parents, they’ve been teaching all their kids about stranger danger:
“No taking lollies from strangers.”
“No giving out personal information.”
“No going anywhere without Mum or Dad.”

We all say these things, hoping the message sticks.

Well… the result was eye-opening. And honestly? A little bit terrifying.

Using their Ring cam inside the house, they posed as a “stranger” and offered her lollies if she came out to the backyard. They told her to keep it a secret, asked personal questions, and used the exact tactics we’ve all warned our kids about.

And my beautiful, loving, friendly miss3? She didn’t freeze, she didn't run away, she didn’t say no. She started chatting away, telling this “stranger” her name, who else was home, her favourite things… all with the innocence only a child can have.

When the call ended, she went upstairs to tell her mum about “the voice downstairs and the lollies.” But here’s the part that makes my stomach drop by then, it would have been too late.

Because here’s the truth: even well-taught kids can be outsmarted by adults who know exactly how to manipulate, groom, and earn their trust. And it’s not just strangers we need to worry about—too often, the danger comes from someone the child already knows.

That’s why these conversations can’t be one-off “talks.” They need to be woven into everyday life—normalised, repeated, and role-played until your child responds automatically.

One powerful tool? A family password.
Choose something silly, unforgettable, and just for your family. If someone says Mum or Dad sent them, they must know the password. No password? Your child runs, yells, and gets to safety.

Ideas to get you started:

• Pineapple Marmalade

• Stinky Socks

• Pickle Pants

• Wombat Disco

• Zombie Jellybeans

And if your child can’t use a word, create a gesture, sign, or silly dance.

No system is perfect. There’s no magic bubble to keep our kids safe. But by practising, staying vigilant, and making safety a part of everyday life, we can give our kids the tools—and the confidence—to speak up, run, and protect themselves.

The world might have its fair share of bad people. But it also has us. And we will fight like hell to protect them—today, tomorrow, and always.