by Michelle Annese
When we think of Holiday shopping, we think of all the glowing lights at our area malls and the various eye-catching decorations in shopping centres. Along with distractions with our to do list in our heads, we get preoccupied with carrying bags and scoping out gifts. But with all the whirlwinds of diversions, we cannot put our guard down with who may be scoping out our own children.
To help with this here are the top 7 things parents can do to prevent their young from falling prey to strangers and child kidnappers in the busy hustle and bustle of the season.
1. Stay connected. Make sure you have your children with you whether in a stroller or holding your hand. Even if your child stays next to you other times of the year, all the distractions of toys, decorations and Santa, can make any kid get sidetracked.
For older children invest in a family walkie-talkie set. Make sure they know how to use it and check in with them on regular time intervals to know where they are – even if they are right next to you. This saves the cost and time of phoning and text messaging mobile phones.
2. If your child is lost go right to security. Most malls and shopping centres have security protocol when a child is missing. Don’t try to look for your child alone. Let them help you the second you realise you cannot find your child – every moment counts.
3. Know what your child is wearing that day and carry a recent picture with you in your wallet. Most mums and dads have lots of pictures of their kids, but baby pics are not helpful if your child is lost and security needs to search for them.
4. Teach your child what to do if a stranger approaches them.
First – Run away! Second – Tell somebody!
