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Do you have a little “Phillip” in your family? These children may one day become world changers, but for now, those of us who are raising our exuberant kids are looking for a better way to keep them safe in public without tethering them to playground equipment. Here are some ideas to keep your little explorers from getting lost while you are out and about:

1. Have your children memorize your name and cell phone number so they can find help and reach you if they are lost. If your kids are not old enough to memorize this information, or if they are non-verbal, see my previous article on SafetyTat. SafteyTat is a temporary tattoo you can apply to your kids that lists your name and contact information, and they also have Tats available that will alert others of your child’s medical conditions or special needs.

2. Have every member of your family (including parents) wear the same color of shirt. It will be so much easier to keep track of several children and, if your kids know you are wearing a bright red polo that matches theirs, it will make it easier for them to spot you.

3. If you are going to an outdoor event in the evening (campouts, firework shows, amusement parks, etc.), have your kids wear glow-in-the-dark necklaces or glow sticks so it will be easier to see them in the dark. You can find these glowing accessories at dollar or discount stores all year round, and most kids love wearing them!

4. Designate a specific place to meet (the fountain by the food court, check-out register #1, etc) if they become lost or separated from you. This works well for older kids or teenagers, but be sure to tell younger children if they are not sure how to get back to the meeting point, that you will be looking for them, so they should just stay in one place until you can find them.

5. Teach your children to look for people who can help them if they get lost, such as a uniformed police or security officer, a check-out/sales clerk, or a mother with kids.

6. Never display your child’s name in a place where strangers can see it, such as backpacks, lunch boxes or clothing. Potential abductors can use this to trick your child into thinking they know them. (i.e. “Hi, Claire! I am your Daddy’s friend, and he told me to pick you up from school today.”)

7. Create an identification card for your child that includes their current photo, age, height, weight and your contact information. You can carry this ID card with you to give to police, store clerks, or other personnel to help you find your child quickly if they are lost or abducted. Ehow.com published this excellent article that tells you how to make a child ID card at home for free. Here is an example:

Cutie McDimples
DOB: October 24, 2006
Female, 3’ 1”, 30 lbs
Brown Hair, Brown Eyes

In case of emergency contact:

Daddy McDimples’ cell: (123) 456-7891

Mommy McDimples’ cell: (123) 456-1111

I would love to hear your comments on more ways to prevent kids from getting lost in public. May your next family outing be fun and worry-free!

Tagged as: child safety, How to keep your kids from getting lost