Teaching Abduction Safety to Small Children

In light of recent events(child abductions) I would like to teach my child what to do in the event they where in this situation.   My question is how to get thru to a 5 - 6 year old without causing them to become too fearful yet getting the point across that this is serious.  It seems to be a delicate balance between the two.   I have already enforced the no talking to strangers...but would like to incorporate the kicking ,biting screaming...etc...if a stranger crosses the line.  

thanks!!

concerned mom

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

There is a risk with any particular child that efforts to teach them about dangers and how to mitigate against those will result in some fearfulness. But this is a risk that must be undertaken in order to protect the child. Generally, in the context of a healthy parent/child relationship and in the context of a generally good day-to-day life, children can take this information in without becoming unduly alarmed or immobilized by fear. The 'what to do if...' part of the education is very important, and well worth the risk of inducing some fear. Hopefully what will result, over time, is a healthy awareness of the dangers of trusting oneself to unknown persons.