How to Keep Kids Safe from Predators During Holiday Shopping

Like many parents at this time of year, I often find myself overscheduled and racing from one task to the next, frequently with my daughter in tow. In fact, at a recent parent workshop I was teaching, the subject came up about how to keep our kids safe during this hectic time of year.

In other words, how do we keep an eye on our kids, as we juggle assorted holiday chores, shopping, and outings, etc?

Of course, nothing beats plain old-fashioned, hand-holding supervision. But let's face it; it's not always that simple. Especially when your children are not exactly toddlers anymore. And even if they are, when was the last time your toddler let you calmly drag them by the hand through boring, mundane, grown-up tasks -- without whining, squirming, or even making a run-for-it the minute something interesting catches their eye? It's enough to make you want to stay home and order everything off the Internet!

According to statistics from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, non-family child abductions are actually decreasing. That's encouraging news. Yet, it doesn't mean that we can let our guard down, or not teach our children some very important safety rules.

Whether you're driving across town for a shopping trip or headed to the airport, here are some common sense tips to help you navigate through this busy time of year.

Holiday Safety Tips for Grown-Ups and Kids...

Nothing takes the place of your supervision whenever you're out in public. However if you feel that you will be distracted during your holiday shopping, make other arrangements for your children. It's easy for you and the kids to get sidetracked with all the sights, sounds, and smells surrounding us at holiday time.

If children do become separated from you, teach them to look for a "safe stranger" who can help them. For example, a mom with kids or the cash register personcan help a child who is lost. Avoid telling children to go to the "manager." Any adult in a suit, who looks important, can look like the manager to a child.