Stranger danger

[mieow]

With the recent tragic news of Holly and Jessica, I have tried to tell my 4 year old about strangers and bad people. He has Cerebral Palsy, learning difficulties and speech problems, so he is quite hard to explain things to. He is able to walk and talk but he is so trusting. He will talk to anyone. I don't allow him to go out without me but I feel that he will soon want some indepentant. I am worried about him. He is already asking to play with the neighbours kids but I won't let him unless I am there. What should I do and how can I explain it to him as he thinks that Holly and Jessica can go to hospital and get better.

Personally, I wouldn't be in a hurry to spoil that lovely innocence too soon. What happened to the girls is very, very rare. When he plays with the neighbour's children is the mother or father there to supervise? If so, I'd let him go. Otherwise, I'd continue to watch over him for a bit longer and save the scary talk until he's older. Let him talk to anyone, it's quite safe as long as you are there. He sounds a lovely, sweet little boy.