Every day of every week of every year, parents get separated from their children un-intentionally. There are too many distractions for both you and your children. You will find it won't be a matter if you are separated; it will be a matter of when. If you prepare yourself and your children before this event happens, getting back together will be a lot less stressful. That is not to mean you won't worry, but you have already put a plan into action to reunite your family. Here are some tips that will help you get started forming a plan.

It has been said the best defense is a good offence. So let's start planning.

Make Name Tags for Your Children 6 and Under

You can go to any office supply store and find many kind of stick on nametags. Figure out what you will like best. On the nametags, write the child's name and the cell phone number of the parent or guardian that is in charge of the outing.

• * Very few people go out without their cell phones, so use them to your advantage.


• * If your child is separated from you, other people will be able to locate you.


• * Store attendants will be able to use the intercom to let you know where your child is,


• * If they know the child's name, the authorities or good Samaritans can call you.

Take a Picture of Your Child

Taking a picture of your child prior to going into a crowded place like malls, parks and other locations, which can cause distractions. If you aren't able to locate your child very quickly, you will have a picture of what the child looks like and what he or she is wearing. This will be very useful in getting other people and the authorities in helping you locate your lost child.

Make a Business Card for the Older Children

Make the business card with the name of the child and the cell phone numbers of the parents or legal guardians. Just a precaution, don't put too much information on the cards in case they fall into the wrong hands. Simply include the child's name and the numbers of emergency contacts. This will come in very handy and useful in case of an accident.

Authorities will look for some kind of identification and emergency numbers. Girls can carry them in their purse and boys can carry them in their wallets. This will be the simplest way for them to get the help they need in case they are disoriented and can't remember their emergency numbers. This is especially true for kids with cell phones. If the cell phone breaks, they may not know your number.

Final Tips for Protecting Your Children

One last tip, discuss with your older children before they get separated where you will meet if you lose each other. You need to decide before something happens.

Additionally, teach your child to find store personnel to get help. If they are too young to identify employees, have them go to a female. Females are less likely to pose a threat than a male.

Finally, always tell them not to leave with any stranger.