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Shelley Osterloh ReportingDestiny's death has struck the hearts of many parents and children who fear it could happen to them. What can parents say to help their kids feel safe, and yet still be smart about avoiding danger?
The missing child posters were everywhere, so many children heard about her disappearance. Now to have such a sad outcome, how does the news affect us all and how do we protect our children? The news of Destiny's death may frighten children, and their parents.
Tex: " I went to see my little girl and told her, 'Do you remember Destiny?' I says, 'This could happen to anybody.'"
The children at St. John's Children Development Center have asked their teachers about Destiny.
Kathleen Sandoval, Executive Dir. St Johns Child Development Center: "We've tried to lessen the impact of them being scared by telling them they are safe, we do take care of them, we have got rules to keep them safe."
And that is what child behavior experts recommend.
Dr. Doug Goldsmith: "Parents need to say, yes she was killed and it's terribly tragic and very, very sad, and it's okay to be sad about it. But move quickly to the discussion about what we can do to make sure that we are safe because thats what the children need to hear."
Dr. Doug Goldsmith of the Children's Center says parents should talk to their kids about stranger danger and the importance of letting parents know where they are at all times. Many parents with whom we spoke agree. They'll keep a closer eye on their kids and talk about ways to be safe.
Eric Vargas: "I'm keeping a closer eye on my children because of it."
Michelle Kent: " No matter where my kids go, they have to be with me or at least five kids."
"I also want to teach them to have responsibility and respect for adults, but not to do whatever an adult says. so they have a right to say no."
Experts say it's important that a child feel safe, but parents must be watchful. And the children should know they are given rules and guidelines to keep them safe.
