Stranger Danger Whistles for Kids

I wish we lived in a world where things such as Stranger Danger did not exist. However that is not the case. This morning I opened up our community newspaper and the headline read, “Increased amount of Stranger Danger reported in area schools.” Great. Then I switched over to Facebook and read about the Katy, TX school district which as of this year has switched to having the majority of their kids walk to school each day. Katy ISD didn’t really plan this before they enacted it and now there are parents up in arms about their young children having to walk long distances (time wise) to school each day and some past houses where convicted child predators live. So even though my children aren’t in public school when someone asked me to make a school related craft, this came to mind. This is not just for public schoolers though. This is a whistle that you can attach to backpacks, purses, necklaces or even children’s clothing. It’s for their safety to blow loudly when they feel that they are in danger from a stranger. It’s decorated so the children will want to carry it but it serves a greater purpose than decorations. One of the top ways to protect yourself when you feel threatened is by making noise. A loud whistle will hopefully attract attention that would scare off the unwelcome attention from a dangerous stranger. When would this be good to use? 1. Walking to and from school. 2. When going with your children to a large festival or fair. 3. Public outings such as the Zoo. 4. At the park. 5. Playing outside or riding bikes in the driveway. 6. Anywhere that you might be seperated from your child. The best part is that they are extremely simple to make. My 7 and 6 year old each made one as well. It can be made for a boy by simply buying more masculine beads such as soccerball beads and black pony beads. Want to make one? You will need Nylon Beading Cords (the thick ones made for children’s beading projects), Beads with large holes (also found int the children’s beading section), Assorted Metal Rings and clips for attaching to backpacks or clothing, Whistles (found at the party store). The process of making the whistles is very simple. 1) Take a length of cord approximately 1 foot long and bend in half. Tie a knot about an inch or two from the rounded end to form a loop. This is where your metal clips will go. 2) Bead down one side but leave about three inches of cord free. 3) Put the whistle on the end of the cord and double knot it as close to the beads as you can. You might have to help children with this part. 4) Push the extra cord back up inside the beads for extra strength and to hide the end. 5) Bead the other side, leaving about two inches free. Tie a double knot at the end and once again push the extra cord back inside the beads. Now you’re ready to sit down and have a conversation with your children about stranger danger and how to stay safe. It’s also good at this time to discuss not blowing the whistles at school, inside a building, or close to someone’s ear. The best way to protect our children from Stranger Danger is to talk to them. Whistles will help but let’s not forget to talk to them too. This would be a great craft for a slumber party or anytime you have a house full of kids. Their parents will love you for sending home whistles with their children! Now I know what I’m giving my nieces and nephew for christmas. Don’t forget to follow along for more tutorials and crafty activities! You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or subscribe via Email or RSS feed!