Stranger Danger

At the kid's last visit to the doctor, she said we should start talking to Elias about strangers.  This is a near to impossible task.

Me:  "Elias, do you know what a stranger is?"
Elias:  "Yeah.  A stranger is someone you don't know.  I know everyone in the world."

Great...

How do you explain stranger danger to a 4-year-old?  It makes no sense.

If a stranger tries to get you to go with them, run away and find...who?  Another stranger (because THAT makes sense), and tell them you need help.  Elias says he will just find me.  Yeah, if I'm there, how likely is it a stranger will try to grab him.

Let's not forget that adding to the confusing is the fact that every time we are at the park, we insist Elias go play with other kids, introduce himself, make friends...all with people that he doesn't know.

If a stranger tries to get you to go with them, run away and find a policeman (that you don't know), or a fireman (that you don't know), or anyone else that can help....whom you most likely WILL NOT KNOW.

This is insane!  It seems entirely too subtle of a concept for a 4-year-old.  I'm sure it is just the beginning of many a dreaded "talk."