The best way to learn to manage some problems is through experience. Experience lessens fear and also helps to build common sense. Hiding from fears makes them grow. Staying indoors or in a g does not build life or street skills, and wrapping boys, or girls, in cotton wool is not responsible parenting. Getting out and about together, walking, cycling and going on public transport teach road and geographical sense and street awareness; going out for night walks will help your son to respect, but not not fear, the dark.

If you are a parent:

* Useful risk-reducing strategies include: stay in public view and populated places; avoid back stairs and subways; go out in a group (preferably with people you know and trust) and stay in it; carry money safely – a small amount in a purse and the rest elsewhere
* Practice verbal responses too; a sharp word delivered quickly is safer than a punch
* Ask if he’s worried about anything, and discuss it
* It’s important that he feels confident; don’t dent his confidence by raising the spectre of disaster
* If he’s going out drinking, give him a good meal first

If you are a teacher:

* If it is practical, organize a termly ‘walk-to-school’ day or week
* Include safety and survival issues in PSE lessons, but keep all discussions as positive as possible: fear of ‘stranger danger’ can get out of hand and undermine children’s confidence

Staying indoors most of the time does not encourage physical fitness either. The two best defenses against bullying and other dangers a strong bodies and inner confidence. When boys are fit, and able t rely on their natural physical strength, it helps them not only to run away or wriggle free but also to feel confident and come across to others as someone with whom it could be a mistake to tangle.

Discuss different ways of coping with such situations with your sox including how to reduce risk and protect himself.

Related posts:

1. The Basics of How to Parent Your Boys: Nurture His Social Skills

2. The Basics of How to Parent Your Boys: Let Him Say No

3. The Basics of How to Parent Your Boys: Promote Self-Direction

4. The Basics of How to Parent Your Boys: Offer Him Safety, Security and Predictability

5. The Basics of How to Parent Your Boys: Offer Him Opportunities to Test Himself

6. The Basics of How to Parent Your Boys: Let Him Grow Wings

7. The Basics of How to Parent Your Boys: Develop Responsibility and Safe Risk-Taking

8. The Basics of How to Parent Your Boys: Minimize Conflicts At Home

9. The Basics of How to Parent Your Boys: Respect His Feelings

10. The Basics of How to Parent Your Boys: Work to and From His Strengths