How Parents Can Win the Battle To Keep Your Child Safe From Strangers This Holiday Season

When we think of Holiday shopping, we think of all the glowing lights at our area malls and the various eye-catching decorations in shopping centers. Along with distractions with our 'to do' list in our heads, we get preoccupied with carrying bags and scoping out gifts. But with all the whirlwinds of diversions, we cannot put our guard down with who is scoping out our own children.

To help with this here are the top 7 things parents can do to prevent their young from falling prey to strangers and child kidnappers in the busy hustle and bustle of the season.

1. Stay connected. Make sure you have your children with you whether in a stroller or holding your hand. Even if your child stays next to you other times of the year, all the distractions of toys, decorations, and Santa can make any kid get sidetracked. For older children invest in a family walkie-talkie set. Make sure they know how to use it and check in with them on regular time intervals to know where they are ? even if they are right next to you.

2. If your child is lost go right to security. Most malls and shopping centers have security protocol when a child is missing. Don't try to look for your child alone. Let them help you the second you realize you cannot find your child ? every moment counts.

3. Know what your child is wearing that day, and carry a recent picture with you in your wallet. Most moms and dads have lots of pictures of the kids, but baby pics are not helpful if your child is lost and security needs to search for them.

4. Teach your child what to do if a stranger approaches them. First ? Run away! Second ? Tell somebody!

5. Role play with your child ahead of time. Use tactics that some kidnappers have used in the past and teach your children not to 'fall for a stranger's sneaky tricks!" i.e. stranger favorite lures: candy, video games, comic books, toys, telling them "your mommy told me to bring you home" etc.

6. Do not have your child wear anything with their name on it ? i.e. back packs, purses, and jackets. Child offenders with pick up these clues and use the child's name when speaking with them to gain trust.

7. Practice, Practice, Practice! Reviewing these strategies not only will help your child remember, but keep it on your mind as well. We all want our children safe, happy and well for more holidays to come.

About The Author

Michelle Annese is the author of 'The Realtor Survival Guide' and owner of http://www.michelleannese.com, a web site devoted to information for women about self-defense, crime prevention and other personal safety topics.

mannese@ntelos.net

---

How to Make Your Own Printable Invitations for Any Occasion

Even with modern technology like email and cell phones, printed... Read More

Top 25 Thanksgiving Quotations

"It is therefore recommended ... to set apart Thursday the... Read More

Bathed in Blue - Love Can Happen for You

Whether you know him by Eros or Cupid, this son... Read More

5 Tips to Reduce Holiday Depression

As the holidays approach each year, more and more people... Read More

Legends of the Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree is a much loved symbol iinstantly calling... Read More

Top Ten Things To Do The Day After Valentines Day

Why should February 14th get all of the attention?1. Water... Read More

Top 5 Ways for an ADD Adult to Have a Happy Holiday

Holidays have the potential to send an adult with Attention... Read More

Making Gifts A Pleasure

As we reach the time of year when Christmas items... Read More

Creative And Inexpensive Gift Ideas

I have a friend who works at a loan company.... Read More

How to Host Thankgiving Dinner and Enjoy it Anyway

You've been nominated; or perhaps your family has issued a... Read More

Top 15 Valentines Day Quotations

"If you love somebody, let them go. If they return,... Read More

Mothers Day Love Letter ? The Best Way to Express Your Gratitude and Appreciation for Mom!

Abraham Lincoln said ? "All that I am, or hope... Read More

Successful Holiday Gift Giving Starts with a Plan

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and the... Read More

A Dash of Cinnamon, A Pinch of the Past, A Smidgen of the Future

Close your eyes and remember December, the smell of cinnamon... Read More

Five Inexpensive Ways to Help Your Children Invest in Holiday Memories

Christmas memories are never dependent on the amount of money... Read More

Ultimate Army Themed Games & Activities for Your Childs Birthday Party

Are you looking for the Ultimate Army Themed Party Games... Read More

A New Look at Labor Day

A day to reflect on the accomplishments of working people:... Read More

An Easy Gift For Many Occasions

It can be very hard to find that one perfect... Read More

Find New And Exciting Halloween Masks For Your Next Costume Party!

For most people that don't enjoy wearing messy makeup, Halloween... Read More

Celebrating Fathers

On Father's Day, we celebrate the guys in our lives.... Read More

Keepsake Christmas Album

Do you hate throwing your Christmas cards away every year... Read More

Tips For Singles on Surviving (And Enjoying) The Holidays

Here you are, facing the holiday season alone. Have you... Read More

Valentines Day is NOT only for Lovers

Some people hate to see Valentines Day come around. Some... Read More

Online Shopping: Tips For Holidays Gift Shopping

It is holidays time, and you've the money and you... Read More

Planning a Gift Closet

Creating a gift closet is a wonderful way to plan... Read More

Father?s Day Gift Idea: Do-It-Yourself Backyard Pond Kit

This Father's Day, sit back and enjoy a nice cold... Read More

Christmas Decorating Ideas - Edible Ornaments

Although it is now more decades away than I care... Read More

Holiday Times Are For Helping Those Less Fortunate, Think Holiday Cards

Every year I watch as advertisers begin to promote their... Read More

10 Tips for More Meaningful Holidays

No matter how many lists you make, cards you send,... Read More

Holiday Survival Guide

The Holiday season has officially begun and Christmas is almost... Read More

A Mothers Day Prayer! Mamma Whispered Softly!

Patty Lovelace Country MusicVerse #1 Through the back window of... Read More

Thriving Through the Holidays

The holidays are upon us; a time of celebration and... Read More

2 Inexpensive Halloween Costume Ideas

Did you know that you can make your own Halloween... Read More