How to Teach Your Child About ‘Tricky People’ Without Scaring Them
“Don’t talk to strangers.”
Most of us grew up hearing that rule. And while it sounds simple, here’s the truth: it doesn’t work anymore.
Why? Because in real life, kids often need to talk to strangers—teachers, store clerks, coaches. And sometimes, dangerous people aren’t strangers at all—they could be someone familiar.
That’s why safety experts now recommend replacing “stranger danger” with something far more practical: teaching kids about “tricky people.”
At California Defense Academy in Murrieta, where we teach Krav Maga and self-defense for kids, this is a core concept for protecting children without making them afraid of the world. Here’s how you can do the same at home.
What Is a ‘Tricky Person’?
A tricky person isn’t defined by whether your child knows them—it’s defined by their behavior. A tricky person is anyone who tries to break your family’s safety rules.
Examples include:
✔ An adult asking a child for help (“Can you come help me find my puppy?”)
✔ Someone telling a child to keep a secret
✔ Someone trying to take the child somewhere without a parent’s permission
The key message for kids:
Safe adults don’t ask kids for help, and they don’t break safety rules.
How to Explain It Without Scaring Your Child
Kids need to feel safe, not terrified. Here’s how to teach this in a calm, empowering way:
1. Start with Everyday Examples
Say: “If a grown-up needs help finding something, who should they ask? Another grown-up or a kid?”
Let your child answer, then explain why grown-ups should never ask kids for help in those situations.
2. Teach the ‘Check First’ Rule
Make it clear that your child should always check with you (or their trusted grown-up) before going anywhere with someone—even someone they know.
Example phrase for kids:
“If someone asks you to go with them, what do you do first? Check with Mom or Dad.”
3. Practice, Don’t Preach
Role-play common scenarios in a fun way:
“What would you do if someone said, ‘Your mom told me to pick you up’?”
“What if a neighbor asks you to come inside to see a new puppy?”
Celebrate when they answer correctly. Make it a game so it feels empowering, not scary.
Why This Matters
When kids learn about tricky people, they stop relying on the old stranger-danger rule, which can create confusion. Instead, they learn to recognize unsafe behavior, no matter who it comes from. That’s real-world awareness—and it’s a skill that could save their life.
At California Defense Academy, we teach these safety concepts alongside Krav Maga skills because physical defense should always be the last resort. The goal is prevention first.
Final Thought
You don’t need to scare your child to keep them safe. In fact, confidence comes from knowledge—not fear. When kids know the rules, practice them, and feel supported, they’re prepared for the world without feeling afraid of it.
And that’s what every parent wants: a child who is safe, confident, and empowered.
✅ For more practical tips on kids’ safety and confidence, check out more articles from California Defense Academy, your trusted source for self-defense and Krav Maga for kids in Murrieta.
