Childhood is often the most impressionable time of a person's life. Children usually consider grownups to be trusted figures of authority, but unfortunately, not all adults merit that trust. With the warmer weather upon us, youngsters will be playing in public places such as beaches, pools, parks and shopping centers. It is vital, therefore, that children realize the possible dangers inherent in interacting with strangers.

Hundreds of children are kidnapped throughout the country each year because they don't know whom to trust. Appearances can sometimes by deceiving. Today, the best way to be certain that someone is representing themselves properly is simply by asking for identification. Police officers, for example, are required to present identification when asked, as are many other professionals who may come to your door.

I would like to suggest some guidelines to follow to protect you and your children from con artists and impostors:

1) Never allow children to enter a public restroom alone.

2) A child should never allow anyone into their home unless an adult is present to approve the visit.

3) A child should not accept any gifts, especially food, from strangers.

4) If a child is approached by anyone in a public place, he or she should be instructed to seek out an identifiable security officer, or, failing this, to attract attention to themselves by calling out loudly for assistance.

5) Have your child's photo taken free of charge at a Kid Care ID Program, held at Town of Hempstead Parks events throughout the summer. The program, supported by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, in conjunction with Polaroid, provides a 5 1/2 x 4 1/2 passport size booklet, with the child's photo and emergency medical information. For more details, call the Department of Parks and Recreation at 292-9000 ext. 246.

On behalf of all the members of the Hempstead Town Board, I urge you to educate your children in this most important matter. As Supervisor of the Town of Hempstead, but most especially as a father, I am concerned about the welfare of all of our children. Following these simple precautions will help to provide for your peace of mind, and, most importantly, for the safety of your child.