A Father Reveals a Secret Code That Helped His Son Avoid a Bad Situation

Every parent worries when their children become teenagers and start spending a lot of time with friends, including overnight stays. One father shared a life hack that can help a child avoid uncomfortable and even dangerous situations without arousing suspicion.

Psychologists believe having a code word can help families avoid bad situations.

One Reddit user shared that their kid was spending the night with a friend, having a classic sleepover. When out of the nowhere, the parent gets a simple, text from their son: 🌭. Yes, just the hot dog emoji and no further details. Initially, the parent had already gone to bed and seeing a text right at this time got them concerned.

The parent revealed that the hot dog emoji — or actually — any random emoji is their secret code that their kid uses when “I want to come home, but I want it to be your fault.” Just a few seconds after, being receptive to the coded message, the parent called their kid and said, “You were supposed to unload the dishwasher when you left, now you’ve lost your privilege of spending the night. I’ll pick you up in 5 minutes, have your stuff ready by then.”

Once the kid got in their parents’ car, he shared that his friends’ grandpa was making him feel uncomfortable, but he didn’t know how to let his friend know he wanted to leave.

The parent shared their story in case anyone else would need ideas or tips on how to help kids escape situations they feel they can’t talk openly about.

The Reddit user’s story was praised by other parents, who shared their own similar experiences.

• “I love that you have this with your kid, and they feel comfortable using it. I have the same agreement with my kiddos, and it really helps them have that ’out’.” MommaG0614 / Reddit
• “My and my mom’s code was ‘red socks’. For example, I could give her a call and be like ’Forgot I needed red socks for my school event tomorrow’ and she’d be on her way. Any sentence with red socks meant come get me, call me, etc. I’m not comfortable. I’m 24 and my mom still remembers the words.” bfammerman / Reddit

• My son would shoot me a quick text and say, “Call me in five and tell me come home alone”. I would wait the time and call. A lot of time thankfully he just wanted to leave his friends. Thank god you set this up and your kid can reach out. © ratz2000 / Reddit
• We have this same “code text” for our 13-year-old. It’s simply, “I left something upstairs, can you find it for me?” We don’t have a two story house. So I know and my son knows that if he sends me this while out, I will immediately come and get him. © joyluster / Reddit
• My mom’s code was “I have a headache”. I used it when I needed an out from whatever situation I was in. I have passed it on to my children and their friends. If they were to call me, there would be no questions asked until the next morning. It’s saved a couple really bad outcomes. © Aprilgking / Reddit

Absolutely, building a trusting relationship with the child is key in implementing this advice. Using positive tips and open communication can make it easier for parents to guide their children effectively.