Mum’s Sons Saved From Abduction Thanks To 2 words She Taught Them

A Mother’s Distressing Encounter

Jodie Norton, a blogger and author from southern Utah, recently shared a chilling yet eye-opening experience involving her two young sons. One day, Jodie was struck with severe abdominal pain while showering. In a rush, she took her two sons, aged 10 and 8, to the hospital. Due to a communication mishap with a neighbor, the boys were left unattended outside the emergency ward for an extended period.

“The unexpected can happen in a heartbeat; always be prepared.”

An Unsettling Approach by Strangers

During this vulnerable moment, three strangers—a woman and two men—approached the boys. Using the excuse of needing help with a sick man, they attempted to lure the children into the bathroom. However, the boys remembered a crucial family teaching: “Adults don’t ask kids for help.”

Jodie’s elder son, CJ, explained that they identified these strangers as “tricky people” because of their unusual request, adhering to the principle that adults typically do not seek help from children in such situations.

The Concept of “Tricky People”

This protective principle, known as the “tricky people” concept, shifts from the traditional “stranger danger” notion. Instead of warning children solely about strangers, it highlights potentially alarming behaviors. This idea, introduced by Pattie Fitzgerald of Safely Ever After, emphasizes that any adult can exhibit “tricky” behaviors.

“It’s not just about who they are, but what they do. Actions reveal intentions.”

A Close Call

Jodie was both astonished and relieved upon learning about her sons’ close encounter. The boys’ application of the “tricky people” principle and adherence to family safety guidelines protected them from a potentially dangerous situation. Jodie praised her sons for their discernment and commitment to safety protocols.

Raising Awareness and Staying Vigilant

Jodie reported the incident to local authorities, who began reviewing hospital security footage to investigate the trio’s actions.

Her ordeal underscores the importance of equipping children with the knowledge and tools to recognize and navigate potential threats. Moving beyond the “stranger danger” paradigm and adopting the more comprehensive “tricky people” concept can better prepare children for an unpredictable world.

“In an ever-changing world, our approach to safety too must evolve.”