DEAR ABBY: For some time now, I have been meaning to write to you about something that concerns me. I'm a catalog shopper and I'm distressed to see how many children's items are made to be monogrammed for a small charge. It is very tempting to put a child's name on something, but it is so dangerous if the item is one that will be used in public -- either worn, carried or played with.
With a child's name spelled out for those who would wish to do the child harm, it is all the more easy for them to call the child by name and thereby allay any fears the child might have of strangers. After all, if someone calls you by your name, he or she must know you.
Please caution mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, grandparents and gift-givers to refrain from putting children's names on items they will use in public. I think you will be doing a great service to the safety of children by doing so. -- BETTE K. STEWARD, BRIDGEWATER, MASS.
DEAR BETTE STEWART: I've had this warning in my column several times, but one cannot alert the public too often when the welfare of our children is concerned.