Years after her abduction Elizabeth Smart, now wife and mother-of-two, shares important advice to fellow parents about ways to keep children safe.
In 2002, a strange man walked into the Smart family home and abducted Elizabeth when she was 14-years-old. She was held captive for nine months until her abductors were found by authorities and she was returned back to her family.
Elizabeth Smart’s shocking experience will be shared in an upcoming film, airing this week on Lifetime. On screen, Elizabeth’s story of struggle, fear, and perseverance is shared, as well as how she has been able to move on from the experience and live a normal life. Elizabeth is now a child safety advocate and commonly shares advice with other parents on ways they can keep their children safe.
In a recent post on Reddit, an internet discussion website, one user asked Elizabeth a thoughtful question:
“In your opinion as a children’s advocate, what are some practical, commonsense steps parents can take to help their children avoid abuse? (And I guess I mean abuse in a general way, anything from extreme bullying to abduction.)”
In response, Smart shared three principal things parents should tell their children:
- Make sure your child knows that they are loved unconditionally, and make sure your child knows what unconditionally means.
- Make sure your child understands that no one has the right to hurt them or scare them in any way. It doesn’t matter what that person may be: family, friend, religious leader, community leader, it doesn’t matter.
- Should anyone hurt your child or threaten them in any way, they need to tell you.
Elizabeth Smart is a powerful woman, who has been able to translate her traumatic experience in a way that can help other children, and inform parents, on ways they can be cautious and protected.
Elizabeth has not allowed her abduction to define the life she chooses to live, as she is not only a child safety advocate but also a happy wife and mother-of-two. “Today, I’m so grateful for the small things,” Elizabeth stated, “My children have brought so much happiness and joy.” She continued, “I wake up every morning and I feel like a very lucky and blessed woman.”
Elizabeth Smart serves as an example to all of us, in that, she has not allowed her unfortunate experience to diminish her, but has used it as a driving force to help others in avoiding similar experiences. Her transparency and advocacy are to be highly commended, and these three practical safety tips are incredibly important to communicate with your children.
Please SHARE this important information with your children and fellow parents.
(h/t): Shared
