Stranger danger: Parents share concerns

Our family recently had an experience that you think could never happen to you. Over the last few days we have felt very strongly the need to share our thoughts with other families, especially with summer closely approaching.

We feel very fortunate that the outcome of our situation was positive and that there was no physical harm done. We greatly appreciate the Kalispell Police Department, especially those officers that were so quick to respond and so eager to help. We are thankful for the police department’s continued patience and attention to our concerns as parents.

We are also extremely thankful for good neighbors who are so willing to help and are diligent at trying to keep our neighborhood safe. We live only blocks from the schools and have made a choice to live here specifically for that reason. Our intention has always been, the closer we are, the safer we can keep our children. However, we were greatly mistaken.

Just a few weeks prior, we had the opportunity to visit with our children as we often do about “strangers.” As a family, we discussed at length what to do if ever they were approached by a stranger or if ever they found themselves in an uncomfortable situation. Together we made a plan and designated a new specific password. Today we are so grateful for that conversation.

Our child was able to act and return home safely. However, we realize the harsh reality of the world we live in today and know that we were just plain lucky. So our intention in writing this note is not to scare anyone or to cause any sort of panic, rather to be informative and serve as a reminder to talk to your children and families. Talk to them about what to do in those hard situations. Talk to your kids about strangers and make a plan for your family. Get to know your neighbors.

We love Kalispell and the Flathead Valley. In the past, we have lived in many large cities and made a conscious decision to move to the Flathead because we feel it is a great place to raise a family — and still do. This has been a hard reminder for us that bad things can and do happen anywhere. We, as individuals, families, and as a community, need to be smart and be aware. By doing this, together we can keep our neighborhoods safe.

We wish you and your families only the best, and most especially, a fun, happy, safe summer.

The Wrides are residents of Kalispell