A trip to the shopping mall with children can be overwhelming and with the blink of an eye, it is possible for children to get lost in a maze of shops and crowds of people.
These safety tips will help parents ensure that their children stay protected:
- Talk to your kids before a family outing.
- Make a rule that you must always be able to see them and they must always be able to see you.
- It may sound simple, but keep reminding them periodically, especially if you think they’re getting restless.
- Use the “two giant steps” rule – your kids can never be more than two giant steps away from you. It’s a fun and easy way for young children to remember not to wander away.
- Teach your kids that if they ever become separated from you, they should look for a “safe stranger” for help. Some examples include a mom with kids or a cash register person. With older children, agree on a “meeting place” ahead of time, in case you become separated.
- Tell your child never to leave the mall or store to go looking for you, no matter what anyone tells them.
- Remind your child that you would never leave until you are reunited.
- Dress your child in brightly colored clothes to make him easy to spot. Be sure to remember what they are wearing.
- Establish the “check first” rule with older children. They must always check first with you before going anywhere in a public place, including another store, play area, or even the restroom.
- Don’t treat public facilities as a “convenient babysitter.” Do not leave your children alone at video arcades, movie theaters, play areas, or other public places.
- Predators are known to look for unsupervised kids.
- Always bring young children into the restroom with you. Look for well-lit restrooms in high traffic areas, whenever possible.
- Make sure that your child knows your cell phone number.
- Discuss age-appropriate safety issues with your child in a calm, non-fearful manner. Replace the word “strangers” with “tricky people.”
- Let your child know that it isn’t what people look like that makes them unsafe; it’s what they ask a child to do that makes someone “thumbs down.”
- Kids have been known to leave with a stranger because “he seemed nice” or “she didn’t look like a stranger.”
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