As you know, seeing our children succeed and protecting them from harm is one of my deep passions in life. I always like to highlight other advocates’ work that empowers others to succeed at this goal. Melissa Ridenour is one of those people who has written a wonderful book called, “What Would You Do? A Kid’s Guide to Staying Safe in a World of Strangers.” In her own words, “The book explains the concept of “stranger” to children in a reassuring way and teaches strategies to empower children to take a proactive role in staying safe from predator harm. It is ideally meant to be a shared experience between parent and child or between teacher and student. The book includes a chapter for parents and teachers as well.
Melissa says, “The creation of the book began with a traumatic memory from her childhood. When my best friend and I were in the fifth grade, more years ago than I care to think about, I awoke on a Monday morning to my mother having to explain to me that I wouldn’t see my friend in school anymore. She explained to me, as gently as she could, that my friend had been abducted, assaulted, and murdered the evening before. That was a difficult thing for me to understand at that age. But the trauma stuck with me thereafter. As a child, when I would walk to school, I would have to pass the spot where my friend’s body was discovered. I remember for the longest time running, terrified, past that spot each time. Adding to the tragedy of the story is the fact that her mother, the next year, committed suicide by hanging herself. She was never able to cope with the loss of her daughter, especially in such a violent way.
That haunting memory has always affected me, even as I became a mother myself. One of my greatest fears as a young mother, and even now that my children are grown with children of their own, is that something similar could happen to my children or grandchildren. That fear, combined with the alarming statistics regarding missing and exploited children is the second reason that prompted me to write a book that would teach children to take a pro-active role in staying safe from abduction, and to help parents and other care givers learn how to keep children safe from abduction or harm.”
Melissa knows about what she writes and speaks. She is a passionate advocate for protecting our children. Her book, “What Would You Do? A Kid’s Guide to Staying Safe in a World of Strangers”, is easy to read and gives you great tips on how to protect your children. The book can be purchased through the publisher, (Headline Books, Inc.), Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Follett, Ingrams, and Baker & Taylor. More information about Melissa and her book can be accessed at Melissa Harker Ridenour Books – www.AuthorMelissaHarkerRidenour.com.
Thank you Melissa for your great work!
Dr. Sue
