Scared your child may get lost? Teach them these safety tips

By Mansi Jain

Even the thought of losing the child at a crowded place makes a parent’s heart pound with fear. We must coach our kids with some proficient tips to ensure their safety. Not talking to strangers, never taking candy from a stranger at the top of our safety guidelines. However, we often overlook the potential risk of a child going missing. Parks, malls and fairs are some overcrowded places where there is a high possibility of losing track of your baby. When kids are too young, they tend to make a beeline for whatever catches their fancy. Thus, chances of a child getting lost also increase. Hence, the need to make sure your child is familiar with essential safety tips.

Addressing parents by name

Children address their parents as ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad’, failing to know their parents’ full name. Thus, make sure your child knows your full name. So, in case they are lost, they can at least seek help with your name, at the mall, park, etc.

Spotted a 2 year old crying in a park. I asked her what was the matter and she said she was lost. I asked her ‘what’s your mommy’s name’ to which she replied ‘mommy’. Gave her candies and helped her find her mom. Such a nice feeling ☺️Day made💓

— SwatKat- The dancing human 💃 (@swatic12) October 24, 2018

Sew your contact number

It is one of the smartest and oldest known approaches. If your child is too young and can’t memorise your contact number, you can sew it at the inner side their shirt or on their pockets. Inform them about this so that they can point to it when they ask someone for help!

Tell your child not to panic in case he or she gets lost. (Source: Dreamstime)

Teach them to reach the security station

No matter how old the child, you must prioritise security tips. Teach your child to reach out to a security guard or a security station, in case he/she gets lost. You must tell them about how to spot a security guard, what kind of a uniform they wear so that they do not feel clueless.

Stay at the same spot

Make your child understand that they need not cry and, therefore, prevent seeking attention. Crying may send the message to anti-social elements, who might try to harm them. Ask them to stay at the same spot where they had seen their parent last. Not just this, they should never leave the premises alone.

Look out for families for help

Guide your child to look out families for help instead of reaching out to a man who is standing alone. Families are still a safe option to seek help as they are responsible. Also, they can contact the salesperson of the store and, obviously, the security guard.

Guide them on your home location

You child must at least know the name of the locality or colony you live in. If your toddler can’t recall the entire address, he/she must be well aware of the society or location of your house. This increases the possibility of reaching out to you.

Put some identity card in your baby’s bag

Mostly, our babies and toddlers have their bags with them. You must always put an identity card in their bag with all the details like their name, parents’ names, contact number, emergency contact number, address, etc.

Practise the safety drill

Before going out to an overcrowded place, you must revisit these safety tips with your child. While you play with your toddler, ask them these little things daily. Also, ask them not to cry but act smartly. Recalling these safety tips will keep them prepared and alert.

Given below is a video to teach security tips to your kids, in a fun way.