How To Make A Plan With Your Kids In Case They Get Lost In A Crowd

Picture this, you are on an outing with your child and you stop to look at something that caught your eye. You turn to show it to your kid but they are no longer there. A rush of panic takes over and you realize that you do not know what to do.

I think this would be any parent’s reaction, regardless whether they have a plan in place for this or not. Even if you spot them immediately, it is still a moment of panic that most parents can relate to. It happens in the blink of an eye.

Not only do kids get distracted easily, but they move really fast. It only takes a moment, maybe you are searching for a pen in your purse or crouched down to tie your shoes, and poof! It feels like they just vanished.

It is common for children to get separated from their parents while in the supermarket, mall, parks, the beach and any place where there are large crowds. All parents hope that this never happens to them. However, it is important to take precautionary measures and have a plan in case they find themselves in this situation.

Preventive Measures you can take

· Eyes on them as much as possible

Make sure that your children are always visible to you and vice versa. While on outings or large crowds, discourage hide and seek play. It is not the time or the place as it could be dangerous.

· Walk together

Have your children walk alongside you. Discourage them from staying behind or walking too ahead, that might create the opportunity to lose sight of them and getting separated.

· Hold Hands

It is impossible to have your eyes on your children at all times, especially when you are out and about. Even if you were walking together, sometimes people cut through and might separate you and your child by accident. In large crowds, it’s even easier to lose each other.

This is why holding hands is the best preventive measure to not getting lost. You and your child will be able to safely look around. You will have peace of mind that your child is with you, therefore allowing you to enjoy your outing without worry.

· Have them hold on to you

There are brief times when you are not going to be able to hold their hand. Maybe you have to pay for food or have to carry something that requires both hands. In moments like these, have your child hold on to you. Tell them to hold on to your arm or leg while you are taking care of the task at hand.

You will physically feel their presence. If they let go, you will be able to immediately redirect your attention to them and call them back to your side.

However, even after taking so many measures, it could still happen. Your child might still get lost. This is when having a plan comes into play. Teach your child what they should do in the event that you get separated, how to get help and who to ask help from.

Making a plan

Here are some tips you can use to make a plan with your children.

· Set a meeting place

I got this idea from my mom. When we were little, she always told us that if we ever got separated, to head to the entrance of the store and wait there for her. It was reassuring for me as a child, to already know what I was supposed to do if I got lost.

You can do the same with your kids. Set a meeting place beforehand in case you get separated. It could be the entrance of a store, a register, a fountain or whatever landmark would be easy for you and your child to get to and reunite.

· Look for an employee, security guard or police officer

Tell your children to go up to any of them and simply say “I’m lost” or “I’m lost and I need help”.  They have procedures already in place for these kinds of situations and will help the children reunite with their parents or guardians.

Also, if you are at the beach and your child gets lost. Tell them not to get in the water under any circumstances (since they are unsupervised, is better to avoid any more danger) and to find a life guard. The life guards will make sure the child is safe and to find the adult in charge.

· Find a mom or dad with kids

If they are unable to find an employee or officer to help them, they should find moms or dads with kids. Parents are usually safe people to ask help from. They will help take the lost child to a customer service desk, an officer or find the parent themselves.

Just make sure to tell your children to never leave the area (i.e.: leaving the store, the mall, the beach, etc.) or get in a car with them. Even though this would be unlikely to happen, it is still important for your child to not be overly confident and go home with them under the promise of “mommy will pick you at my house”.

In Conclusion

Getting lost is a very scary experience for a child (and terrifying for a parent). As you prepare and talk to your child about what to do if they get lost, let them know that being scared is ok and normal. But that they have to do their best to be brave, find an adult and ask for help. Assure them that you will be looking for them too, so you can find each other again.

Once you are reunited with your child, do not scold them. Just tell them how happy you are to have found them. It’s ok to ask them what happened, where did they go and why. You can explain to them why that was dangerous and take new measures so it doesn’t happen again. Remember, this might’ve been a very traumatizing experience for them. Reassure them that they are now safe and that everything is ok.

No parent ever wants to experience the fear of their child getting lost. But just like fire drills, it is important for everyone in the family to know what steps to take if it happened to them. Know that remaining calm is key and that before you know it, you will be back together again.

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