DEAR ABBY: I recently read an idea that I think should be shared with every parent in the world. You and your child/grandchild should establish a family password to be used if the child is ever approached by a stranger who says, "Your mother is sick and she asked me to come and get you." By asking for the password, the child throws the would-be kidnapper off guard, and the child has an opportunity to flee. -- VIGILANT IN VIRGINIA
DEAR VIGILANT: That suggestion is one that appears on many child safety websites, and it's certainly worth mentioning here. I'm sure many parents and grandparents will thank you for submitting it.