Parents need to be careful not to
let their guard down or become distracted while traveling or attending public
functions during the 2011 holiday season. The National Center for Missing
& Exploited Children (NCMEC) has put together this holiday list to help
educate parents about what they should be telling their children to keep them
safe while shopping and traveling this busy and festive season.
Parents need to talk with children
about safety before heading out to a busy shopping mall or boarding a plane,
train, or bus this holiday season. Crowds are greater this time of year and
children may easily become separated from their parents, causing confusion and
fear. If that should happen, parents need a plan and children should know what
to do.
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.
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.
If your child is flying or riding a
train or bus alone this holiday season, NCMEC and Child Quest International urge parents to remember the
following travel safety tips:
- When you make reservations for your child, specify that
the child will be traveling alone.
- Whenever possible, book a non-stop flight or direct route. Avoid booking the last flight of the day.
- Plan to visit the airport, train or bus terminal prior to departure. Let your child know what to expect, so the experience will not be so intimidating.
- In case of delay or cancellation, remain at the station or gate until the train, plane or bus departs.
- Make sure children travel with proper identification and parents or guardian contact information.
- Always have a back-up plan for the person or people meeting the plane at the destination, in case they are delayed.
- Encourage children not to become too friendly with other passengers or to reveal any personal information.
[Source: National Center For Missing & Exploited Children]
These are things I've been doing for the past 9 yeras. Why I have been doing them from the begining, its because I love my children. This list is for those who find their children a neusance, or in the way of their life. Grow up and love your children. We should not have to tell you or remind you to love your children. When you love someone, you treasure them, want to protect them, want to help them learn, teach them how to be the best little human out there. Forget about yourself and quit screaming and yelling at them as if they should know how the world works. Kids want their parents attention, praises and love. Tons of it!!! Just do it all ready. Children should enjoy life, be care-free and happy. They shouldn't know sadness or even cry. Elmiminate that from their lives. Become a loving parent!!
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