Tips for Shopping with Tots
How to prevent your child from getting lost and what to do if it happens
You go to pay for Uncle Carl’s present and in that split second, your child is gone. You immediately panic and assume she’s been abducted. You run around disoriented screaming the child’s name. Does your child know what to do? Do you?
While holiday shopping is stressful enough, shopping with kids can be the ultimate scary experience. Seven out of ten children will get lost at least once in their lives and parents report that the mall is the most common place1. Over 750 kids are reported lost each year at one. Boston area mall – though less than 10% of parents say they even reported the lost child incident at all2. And despite this being a totally common incident, the majority of parents don’t know what to do1. When a child wanders off, they can be injured, traumatized, or in the worst case, abducted. The good news is that there are some simple things you can do to make shopping with your kids safer and therefore a little saner.
- Make sure they each have your cell phone number on them in a visible, secure place.
It is too hard for little ones to remember and find a meeting place in a big mall. Putting your cell number is a visible place makes it easy for someone to contact you to reunite you if you do get separated. - Teach children to seek out another mommy if they need help.
Mommies are easy to find and are eager to assist. Even children as young as 2 can identify another mommy. - Dress kids in bright yellow or green.
You’ll be able to see them more easily in crowded places. Other people can more easily help you if needed. - Carry a recent photo of each of your children.
On the back, put the child’s height, weight, hair and eye color. Note any distinguishing marks, if they are one of multiples, or have any special needs. - Remind children not to wander off. Congratulate them if they do well.
You can practice this every time you go out – whether out to the supermarket or mall – positive reinforcement is the best teaching tool. - If you lose a child, find a store employee immediately.
Many stores have a specific lost child procedure. If you suspect the child is in danger, call 911. - Celebrate a reunion.
Don’t yell at the child if they get lost because if it happens again, the child may choose to stay lost – it’s better than being yelled at again.
Even with a safe and quick return, a lost child incident can leave a lifelong, traumatic memory for both child and adult. There isn’t much you can do about the parking or long register lines during the busy holiday season, but you can try to prevent your children from getting lost and be prepared if it happens. With so much to think about and do during the busy holiday season, these tips can help give you at least a little peace of mind.
1: Source = Wander Wear Inc. parent survey, November 2003.
2: Source = interview with head of security at a Boston-area mall that requested to remain anonymous; December 2002.
About the Author:
Alyssa Dver is a Family Safety Expert and the CEO of Wander Wear® Inc., (http://wander-wear.com/), a parent-run company that offers practical information and affordable products that help prevent kids from getting lost. She is a frequently requested speaker and consultant for parenting groups, corporations, and the media. Based outside of Boston, MA, she is the mother of two ”wanderful” boys ages 2 and 6.
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