December 2011 · Vol. 3

Give the gift of safety this holiday season. As your family begins holiday shopping, take 25 minutes to discuss these important safety tips

1.

Make certain your children know to stay with you at all times while shopping and always CHECK FIRST with you or a trusted adult before they go anywhere.

2.

If older children become separated from you while holiday shopping, have them meet you in a pre-designated spot such as the sales counter of the store or the mall’s information booth.

3.

If separated, teach younger children to look for people who may be sources of help within the store or mall such as a uniformed law-enforcement or security officer, store salesperson with a nametag, person with a nametag who is working in the information booth, or mother with children.

4.

Make an outing to a mall a “teachable” experience in which children practice checking with you; locating the adults who may be able to help if they need assistance; and, for older children, going to the restroom with a friend.

5.

Make certain to never leave children alone at public facilities such as video arcades, movie theaters, or playgrounds as a convenient “babysitter” while they are holiday shopping.

For more Holiday Safety Tips, visit http://www.missingkids.com.