Joshua and Stranger Danger is the first book in The Spiritual Heritage for Children Series.
Stranger danger is not new knowledge as predators have existed in all levels of society since time began.
Furthermore, predators are not restricted to strangers. Some of the worst cases of violence against children and adults, have been committed by people responsible for their care and safety. Knowing how to be aware of a dangerous situation is of utmost importance.
My parents told me, as a child in the 1940’s, “Don’t talk to strangers. Not everyone in the world is a nice person, and some are downright nasty.” Children were to be seen, and not heard in the culture of that time. I would have been alarmed had a stranger spoken to me, because it would not have been a normal situation for me .
The disappearance of 10 year old Daniel Morecombe in 2003 resulted in the founding of the Daniel Morecombe Foundation. The foundation changed the way child safety is presented, resulting in a high profile for Stranger Danger awareness in the Australian culture. Focus on Daniel’s disappearance was maintained by the child safety campaign of the foundation.
As a result, the police force continued a relentless drive to solve the mystery. Ten years after Daniels disappearance a covert operation gained a confession from the person responsible. While the mystery was solved, it brought with it, the tragic news of Daniel murder.
Consequently, Stranger Danger is now synonymous with the fear of abduction, rape and murder.
The terminology appears to have created an undercurrent of fear in the hearts and minds of parents in Australia. This fear has changed the way children are delivered to and from schools. Unlike previous generations, parents or carers are personally delivering children to and from school. All schools have a register of the names of every person who is allowed to take each child from the school grounds. In addition, parents have to notify school officials of any changes to their usual routine.
How do parents find balance in bringing awareness to children about all forms of danger, whilst keeping within them, a trust in their fellow man?
It is especially relevant to impart knowledge without creating a climate of fear which can be paralysing. In times of great danger, being alert and able to flee is vital to survival.
The story Joshua and Stranger Danger presents different ways to approach this difficult subject.
Intuition, body language and the feel of the energy field surrounding children is delivered in a fun and engaging way.
Everyone, not only children, needs to be aware of the vibration surrounding them, and how to tell the difference between good vibes and bad vibes. This knowledge is our inherent protection mechanism. Understanding what is normal and not normal behaviour in our society, is a form of protection. It allows us to make judgements regarding uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situations, prompting us to take appropriate action.
