Know the Rules: How to Keep Your Child Safe During the Holidays

By Natasha Dedijer-Turner, M.Ed., Ed.S., LPC, NCC
Posted Friday, November 18, 2005

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As the holidays approach and we prepare to celebrate with our families, the last thing on our minds is the safety of our children. During this time of year, we tend to be occupied with the demands of the holiday season and as a result often become careless. Though we are cautious when we hear about a high-profile case of child abduction or abuse, we seldom believe that this could happen to our children, in our community. But the reality is that 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 10 boys are sexually exploited before they reach adulthood, and 74% of abducted children who are murdered are dead within three hours of the abduction. We also need to keep in mind that youth 11-17 are equally at risk to victimization as younger children.

Children of every age, gender, and race are vulnerable to child abductions and sexual exploitation. So…what can we do to keep our most valuable resources safe this holiday season?

The following are some safety tips for the holidays adapted from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children:

1. When in public, always supervise your child, and ALWAYS accompany young children to the restroom. Hold them or at least hold their hand when out in public. Make sure your child knows to stay with you at all times when shopping and to always CHECKS FIRST with you or the person in charge before they go anywhere. Know where your children are and whom they are with AT ALL TIMES.
2. If your child becomes separated from you, teach them to look for people who can help within the store (i.e. police officer, store salesperson with nametag, a mother with children). They should not leave the area, and they should NEVER leave the mall or store and go to the parking lot to try and find the car.
3. Make outings to the mall “teachable” opportunities for your children. Teach them how to use a public telephone; locate adults who can help; and, for older children, go to the restroom with a friend. Practice having them CHECK FIRST with you before going anywhere. Leave clothing or items with your child’s name displayed at home, as it can encourage unwelcome attention from inappropriate people who may be looking for an opportunity to start a conversation with your children.
4. Do not leave your child alone at public facilities (i.e. video stores, movie theaters, or playgrounds). Never leave your child alone in toy or specialty stores expecting store personnel to supervise and care for your children.
5. If your older children go to the mall or attend other activities without you, they need to TAKE A FRIEND. It’s more fun and much safer. They should check with you on a regular basis while they are out. Have a pickup plan including where, what time, and what to do in case of a change in plans.
6. Nothing takes the place of parental supervision. If you feel that you will be distracted, make other arrangements for the care of your children. It’s easy for you and your children to get distracted with all the sights, sounds, and crowds of holiday shopping, so make certain they stay with you at all times.

Remember- there is no substitute for your attention and supervision. Being available and taking time to really know and listen to your children helps increase their safety and security.

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