| Did you know that nearly 7 out of 10 children will get | | | | your child to crowded places without their name and |
| lost for some amount of time at least once in their | | | | address attached somewhere on them. |
| lives? It is estimated that at least 2,000 kids get lost | | | | There are many devices that can help you protect |
| every day in the United States alone. Though the vast | | | | your children from these situations. For example, one |
| majority are found unharmed very quickly, we've all | | | | type of alarm will sound when your child has |
| seen the worst-case scenario in the news. What can | | | | wandered more than a preset distance away from |
| you do to prevent this possibility? | | | | you. Another inexpensive device is a personal alarm. |
| Every parent knows the fear of losing their child in a | | | | This method is perfect for slightly older children, who |
| public place, like the mall or a park. In an instant, even | | | | can just press the alarm button if they are in need of |
| well-behaved children have the natural curiosity that | | | | assistance, and a loud alarm will sound. Too many |
| causes them to wander off when they see something | | | | children try to behave politely even when being |
| interesting. In most cases, children don't even realize | | | | abducted, when it is crucial that they yell, scream, and |
| the effect this has on the parent. Though it is usually | | | | make as much noise as possible. A personal alarm |
| innocent distractions that cause a child to be lured | | | | can help them get the attention of nearby adults. |
| away momentarily, if you've seen the news, you know | | | | No matter the situation, never assume that your child is |
| that this is not always the case. A lost child can get | | | | safe. The majority of abducted children are taken by |
| scared, hurt, or even abducted, even if you only turn | | | | family members or those who are familiar to them. |
| your back for a second to take a phone call, place an | | | | Most abductions by strangers take place on quiet |
| order, or speak with a friend passing by. | | | | roads or sidewalks, though of course the possibility |
| From a young age, instill in your child the rules for what | | | | also exists in crowded areas. Children who are walking |
| to do if you are accidentally separated from them. | | | | home alone or playing outside without supervision are |
| Some strangers can actually be helpful, and the old | | | | particularly at risk. Parents can be lulled into a false |
| adage not to talk to strangers may not be the best | | | | sense of security in situation where they believe their |
| advice in some situations. For example, teach them | | | | children are safe, but the truth is, you must be |
| how to spot a police officer or a store employee, as | | | | prepared for all of the possibilities, all of the time. Teach |
| both can help reunite the child with you. Even young | | | | your children that they may not be able to trust a |
| children can be taught phone numbers and home | | | | neighbor, bus driver, or anyone else they don't know |
| addresses; this simple step can go a long way. Don't | | | | well, even if they see them on a daily basis. |
| forget to teach them 9-1-1 while you're at it. Never take | | | | |