broken image
broken image
  • Home
  • About 
    • Our Story
    • Executive Leadership
    • Board of Directors
    • Sponsors & Volunteers
  • Programs 
    • Outreach Programs
    • Free Stranger Safety Program
  • Events
  • Media
  • Blog
  • Donate Now
  • Contact

One is a Lonely Number

What your child can do if they are lost in a store

 

Written by: Matthew Barbis

Well, the holiday shopping season is about to open. What a fun time to visit your favorite stores, decorated with beautiful holiday trimmings. Although this is a very festive time of year, we must always remember that it can be a very dangerous time for children. With all the hustle and bustle of people shopping, long lines and sales, there is a small possibility of your child becoming separated from you. Here are a few stranger safety awareness tips that you can share with your children to prepare them for that possibility:

If your child becomes separated from you, teach them to:

Look for an employee wearing a name tag or uniform


Never leave the area where they discover they have become separated


Never let a stranger take them by the hand - whether it is a man, women or even another child
If a stranger does take them by the hand, have them yell the word "STRANGER" over and over, as loud as possible


To avoid becoming separated from you, teach them that shopping is the best time for them to practice the Buddy System - always going somewhere with a friend. Make it a game that they are not to let go of your hand until you both reach the car at the conclusion of shopping. Perhaps you can offer them a reward of some kind when they successfully reach the car - maybe the opportunity to listen to their favorite station or song on the radio, a favorite show on DVD for the ride home, or a special dessert item when they get home.


The more comfortable you can make it for your children to practice these tips and the more you repeat them, the more calm your children may remain if they are ever placed in a situation where they become separated from you.


Please feel free to download the lesson plan for "One is a Lonely Number" on our free curriculum page. The more you practice stranger safety awareness with your children, the better they will be prepared if a dangerous situation presents itself!

Subscribe
Previous
I Practice Stranger Safety, Do You?
Next
An Uneasy Sign of The Times
 Return to site
Profile picture
Cancel
Cookie Use
We use cookies to improve browsing experience, security, and data collection. By accepting, you agree to the use of cookies for advertising and analytics. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Learn More
Accept all
Settings
Decline All
Cookie Settings
Necessary Cookies
These cookies enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. These cookies can’t be switched off.
Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us better understand how visitors interact with our website and help us discover errors.
Preferences Cookies
These cookies allow the website to remember choices you've made to provide enhanced functionality and personalization.
Save