Charlotte, NC

I normally write posts that are a bit light-hearted — but with the news coming out of the CPD recently of a rise in sexual predators (yes, especially among our children!), this subject needs to take a serious hit on this post.
Y’see, there are about 650 of those criminals registered in the Charlotte area (hey … I said “registered”! There are more out there who aren’t!) and, according to the National Sex Offender Registry, they can range from clean, crisp, professionals to filthy, foul-mouthed drunks.

Now, there’s a group that will help keep your kids safe from these idiots, but it’ll take your cooperation. ChildShield USA has a program that’s been extremely successful in safeguarding children, and I highly recommend them (please note: This is NOT a “paid post.” I honestly believe in this group, since I’ve seen it work!)

Of course, there are other things we can do:

• Of course, the most vital thing is to completely know where your child(ren) are at all times! Nothing beats the vigilance of a loving parent …
• Secondly, we MUST have stricter sentencing for these perps! I don’t care what kind of “sob story” or “promises” they make; they must have strict (and mandatory) jail terms! No exceptions at all!! Now, this’ll probably mean opening up a “satellite” or just reserving one cellblock for nothing but sexual offenders!
• Thirdly, print out a copy of this page and discuss it with your children as well as partner. It’s a “tip” list that includes at-home safety tips as well as those for when they’re outside.
• Fourthly, PLEASE monitor your kids’ internet activity! This can’t be stressed enough. Remind them how dangerous it is to talk with anybody they don’t know in chat rooms, MySpace (where a lot of these jerks hang out!), or on Yahoo!, AOL and other Instant Messengers. Don’t be afraid to tell them about cases you’ve heard on the news… including the MSNBC show To Catch A Predator (in fact, watch it with them.

Now, if these seem a little harsh, they’re meant to be. Listen … my own son was kidnapped back in 1975, and, though it took Charlotte police only four hours to rescue him, it goes to show these things CAN happen to ANY of us, if we’re not careful!
Yes, I know our kids may “hate” us for doing any of this, but think about this: They’ll understand as they grow older, because AT LEAST THEY’LL HAVE A FUTURE TO GROW OLDER IN … and it’ll all be because we took the time to love, protect — and be a bit strict — with them today.

Now … don’tcha think they’re worth it??