Dear Readers: Summer's here, and most children are out of school! The National Crime Prevention Council, www.ncpc.org, has some great hints for families to talk to their children about. Stranger danger is real! Teach children these hints:
Strangers can be polite and clean-cut-not just scary-looking, bad people. Be suspicious of people you don't know asking you into their homes, or to find their puppy, or asking for directions.
There are good strangers-policemen, firefighters and librarians, for example. It's their job to help people.
A good memory trick is to remember: No, Go, Yell, Tell. It's OK to raise your voice if you're scared.
Parents, use these hints to keep your kids safe:
Go around your neighborhood and show your kids safe places they can go to.
If your kids have a "gut feeling" about something not being right, tell them to go with it.
-Heloise
P.S.: A wonderful reader hint was to tell children that if they get lost or separated, or feel scared, look for a mother with children! Probably a safe bet.
BROKEN, BUT CLEAN
Dear Heloise: Spring-cleaning is not just about being clean. When you deep-clean, you look for things that need repair. It's important to recognize areas of the home that need attention before the problem becomes irreparable.
I was spring-cleaning and noticed a brown stain on my window seal. We were able to fix the problem before it ruined our window.-Sue W. in Florida, transplanted from Pennsylvania, where spring-cleaning was important
KIDS PLAY
Dear Heloise: When I get a new appliance delivered, my grandchildren aren't too interested in it, but they love the box it comes in. They love it when I throw some crayons in the box. They scramble into the box, and color the inside of the box!-Nana in Boise, Idaho
BIRD IN THE HOUSE
Dear Heloise: My condo had a real problem with wrens nesting in the gutters. They came back every year to the same place, and not only nested in the gutters, but burrowed under the shingles on the roof. No matter what we put there, be it wood, plastic or metal, the birds would peck through it in minutes.
Finally we decided on a different approach and put up BIRDHOUSES near their nesting places. In about five minutes they occupied the birdhouses and abandoned the nests in the gutters.-Sarah T. via email
PERFECT FIT
Dear Heloise: I found a great way to make pillowcases fit. I place the pillow in a plastic shopping bag and slip that into the pillowcase, then remove the plastic bag. Works like a charm!-Penny S. in Baton Rouge, La.
HAMBURGER GREASE
Dear Heloise: When I cook hamburgers, to drain them, I fold several layers of newspaper and top it with a layer of paper towels. I can't believe all the grease it soaks up! I love your hints-thank you!-Helen G., Pacolet, S.C.
King Features Syndicate