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Raising a child in today’s society is very challenging – with a smaller support system and a hectic schedule; it is difficult for housewives and working mothers alike. The recent surge in reports of children being kidnapped or abused hasn’t helped matters as well. I know a lot of mothers that have become very paranoid and worry too much because of this. If you fit into this category, please calm down; don’t give yourself high blood pressure. I also know some mothers who don’t take a lot of things seriously and naively believe that it can’t happen to them because they are good mothers. These situations can happen to anybody, no matter what type of mother you are; so it is best to take some precautions. Here is list of things to do to ensure the safety of your kids – which I gathered from paranoid mothers around me. Some seem a bit excessive to me, but what do I know? 1. Vet the help: when getting a maid, driver or nanny, get their background information. See their relatives – if possible and meet his/her guarantor. Do a medical check-up on them,  especially those that will be in close contact with your kids. Introduce the interaction between them and your kids slowly; so that they can be monitored. Don’t trust them instantly. 2. Treat the help well:  They are humans and have feelings too; pay their salaries on time, try to be patient with them, especially if they are still struggling to learn your preferences. I have seen couples who don’t say please or thank you when addressing their maids because they feel they are paid to run errands. This is wrong. Learn how to keep a good domestic help here. 3. Be unpredictable: Call them regularly when you aren’t home, or go home during your lunch break on random days. You can put hidden cameras all over your house to watch their activities. You can’t be too careful these days. 4. Let your kids be informed: Make sure your child knows to report anything done to him/her; ask how his/her day was; talk to them and make it obvious that you listen. Teach them basic security tips for kids e.g. never to go anywhere without your permission, not to talk to strangers, refuse offers to touch their private parts; memorize your number for emergencies etc. 5. Teach them self defense: Teach your kids basic children self defense techniques such as: to scream non-stop if in danger, how to get people’s attention to their plight, how to kick people in the shin or to stomp on their feet and run away, to bite the hand covering their mouths, how to lock doors to keep people out etc.   Please, remember to pray for the three kids that were kidnapped by their maid in Lagos. Click here to read their story and find out how you can help.     Please send in any tip you think might be helpful in curbing the high rate of Child Kidnapping to editor@connectnigeria.com           About the Writer: Rabiat Abdulkareem is a graduate of Chemistry from University of Ilorin. She is passionate about food, travel and books. Connect with her on twitter @rabiatota
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This article was first published on 11th April 2015

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