If you are with your child in a crowd, it’s easier than you think to lose him or her. Why? Well, kids are curious and fast. They see something that interests them or perhaps they’re bored and get into trouble. It’s not unusual.
Children aren’t thinking about getting lost or worrying about not finding mom again in a big crowd; kids are thinking about whatever they see that instant. So in order to keep an eye on your little one when you’re at a big event, in a crowded city or town or any other place in which you and your child could be amongst a big group, try these tips:
Easy Tips For Crowd Safety
1- Label Their Items With Your Info
Definitely do not put your child’s name on a shirt or backpack in a large pack of people! That’s basic stranger danger no-no! Instead, put a label in your child’s clothes with your info in case he or she wanders off. Hopefully your child will be found by a kind stranger or professional who can then contact you. Your cell phone and name will help!
2- Designate a Meeting Spot
Pick a place at the event or area in which you and your child/children are present that can be a “family meeting spot” in case anyone gets lost. Tell everyone to gather at the meeting spot whenever a family member is lost. And in that case..
3- Decide Whether to Meet or Stay Put
Before the day or night begins, explain to your kiddos that if anyone gets lost they should do 1 of 2 things:
- Either stay put where the kid or you were last seen OR
- Tell them to go to the meeting spot
4- Wear Colorful Clothes– All of You
If you are a large family, you may all want to wear a corny identifiable matching t-shirt, but do NOT put family names on it, other than the label with parent contact info.
5- Important People
Your kids should know who is an important and trusted person like police officers, security guards, etc. This will help your kids to identify an appropriate adult in case they get lost. When you arrive, point out all the appropriate adults your kids can trust.