Who Are Your Children Talking To: Do You Know Your Neighbors

With the capture of the abducter of Jaycee Duggard who was taken when she was 11 years old and kept in the backyard for 18 years of her kidnapper and his wife, many people are concerned about a) how this could've happened and b) what can be done to protect one's own kids.

First of all, it is possible to find out if there are convicted predators in your neighborhood. Obviously you want your child to interact with others, make friends and go to their homes. On the other hand, play dates can be an area of concern due to the fact you may not know anything about the child's parents, who drops by the home and if there is any danger.

You can ask to be introduced to your child's friend's parents. This is a wise thing to do and you'll be able to get your own impression plus get contact numbers include their cell phones. Your child may give you some attitude about this but you want to know who's home they are going to for a slumber, who they are going to get pizza with and what is going on when they go out with friends.

Fortunately, the internet offers a way to learn more about the family where your child is going. You can do a simple background check and learn the history of the parents where you child may be attending a party or sleepover. This isn't being nosy but is common sense.

You'll be able to get both someone's criminal and financial history. You can find out if the is a restraining order, if there are reports of violence and if there are pending civil actions that are on file.

Read more here about how to protect your children