How to protect your children without smothering them is very difficult for a parent.  This week a little girl was murdered on her way to school.  It happened in Colorado.  I'm sure her parents are very good parents.  She only had to walk three blocks and then she met her friends and walked the rest of the way to school with them.  She was 10 years old.  She was at an age where she could do this simple act.  Walking three blocks to meet friends is reasonable but she never made it.  This is so sad and it does make us think about how we can protect our children while giving them their independence.  As parents we want our children to be safe and secure but we also want them to grow and have a sense responsibility.  My heart aches for the little girls parents and I know their lives will never be the same.  Go over the rules of safety with your children.  Never talk to strangers.  Shout, kick, scream and run in the opposite direction if someone strange approaches you.  Try to walk in groups and never alone.  Review these safety tips every three months with your child.  Hug your child and make them feel secure.  I know the parents of the little girl from Colorado wish they could hug their child one more time.  Until next time..