November 17, 2008
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has issued a great list of holiday child safety tips, especially for shopping and traveling. As the holidays approach and we scurry around to do shopping, meet up with family, and the general hustle and bustle that goes along with the season. Here are some of their great tips:
ALWAYS:
-- Keep children with you at all times while shopping.
-- Accompany and supervise children in public facilities, including
restrooms.
-- Have a plan in case you become separated, including a pre-designated
spot to meet.
-- Teach children to look for people who can help, such as a uniformed
security officer, salesperson or mother with children.
-- Remind children to remain in the area where they become separated.
-- Turn shopping trips into opportunities to practice safe shopping skills.
NEVER:
-- Dress children in clothing that displays their first or last names,
prompting unwelcome attention from people looking for an opportunity to
start a conversation with your child.
-- Leave children in toy stores or public facilities expecting supervision
from store personnel.
-- Go shopping or attend a public event with a child if you feel
you're going to be distracted. Make other arrangements for child
care ahead of time.
-- Allow younger children to shop on their own to purchase surprise gifts
for friends or family members.
-- Drop off older children at a mall or public place without agreeing on a
clear plan for picking them up, including: where, what time, and what to
do in case of a change in plans.
While these tips are helpful anytime of the year, it is especially important to remember as we get caught up in this incredibly busy season.
