Better Safe Than Sorry

This book is a real eye opener for all parents. Gavin de Becker is one of Oprah's "tell it like it is" guests and I'm thankful for his skill. I first recall seeing de Becker on Oprah a few years ago after he wrote his first book, "The Gift of Fear." He discussed the fact that we all have the innate gift of intuition and many of us cast it aside. I was moved by that show and the tales of women who listened to their inner voice and were saved from horrific situations, mainly rape and assault.

I'm not an Oprah junkie, but I do watch occasionally and I believe it was devine intervention that had me tuned in the day de Becker returned to discuss his new book for parents, "Protecting the Gift: Keeping Children and Teenagers Safe (and Parents Sane)." Once again I was riveted by his tales and they now hit so close to home. I have young children and they are just beginning to branch out and do some independent things. Allowing them to play outside alone can be scary when you consider all that could possibly happen to them. Gavin de Becker understands this and gives parents the tools to help their children deal with situations that may arise.

Mr. de Becker's theories about child safety are not always main stream. I have had quite a few heated debates with other mothers about some of them. The author believes in allowing children to talk to strangers with a parent close by so they can develop their own opinions about folks they don't know and tap into their intuition. Sounds a bit scary at first, but he gives valid points for this and each of his theories and I'm a believer in what he says.

I had borrowed this book from the library and after reading it I knew I needed my own copy since I will turn to it as an important resource as my children become adolescents. This is an important book that will keep you anxiously turning the pages to read more. I would highly recommend it to parents and educators alike.