Getting separated from your child in a crowded place is a parent’s worst nightmare. While you can’t always prevent it from happening, you can prepare your child to handle the situation calmly and safely. Teaching them a simple plan can make all the difference. Here’s how to empower your child to stay safe if they ever get lost.
Step 1: Freeze
The first thing your child should do if they realize they’re lost is to freeze. Moving around in a panic can make it harder for you to find them and increase their chances of wandering farther away. Teach your child to stop wherever they are, take a deep breath, and stay put. Remind them that you’ll be looking for them and staying in one spot makes it easier for you to reunite quickly.
Make it fun to practice this at home or in a safe environment. Turn it into a game where they pretend to freeze like a statue if they lose sight of you. This playful approach helps them remember what to do in a real-life situation.
Step 2: Shout
Next, encourage your child to shout loudly for you. They can call your name or say something like, “Mom! Dad! I’m over here!” The goal is to make their location known to you or anyone nearby who can help. Remind them that it’s okay to make noise in this situation; they’re not being disruptive—they’re being smart.
Some children might feel shy about shouting, so practice at home to build their confidence. Role-play different scenarios and cheer them on when they raise their voice. Let them know it’s a brave and important step in getting help.
Step 3: Find a Helper
If shouting doesn’t immediately bring help, the next step is to find a safe helper. Teach your child how to identify trustworthy adults, such as:
- a police officer
- a store employee in uniform
- another parent with children
Explain that they should avoid approaching strangers unless they fit these descriptions. Practice this step by pointing out examples of safe helpers when you’re out together. For example, if you’re in a store, show them the name tags or uniforms employees wear. If you’re at a park, explain that another parent might be a good choice. This helps your child feel confident in knowing who to approach.
Bonus Tip: Create a Family Safety Plan
While teaching your child these steps is essential, it’s also helpful to create a family safety plan. Make sure your child knows your actual name (not just “mom” or “dad”) and phone number and can recite it if needed. Consider giving them a small ID card with your contact information to carry in their pocket. Reinforce that no matter what, you will always come looking for them.
Teaching Resource
I have created a digital printable to help parents teach their children this practical skill! It is called, “What to Do If You Get Lost: Learning How to Stay Safe, Get Help, and Be Found Quickly.” It includes a lesson, discussion questions, a visual cue, role plays so they can practice specific scenarios where they or others get lost, and extension activities for even more learning.
In this darling zoo-themed resource, kiddos will learn:
- The 3 steps to follow if they get lost
- What TO do, and what NOT to do if you can’t find your family
- Who to look for to ask for help
- How to make a family safety plan for places you frequent
This is such a practical lesson, and the role plays are great practice so your child will have tools to use if they are ever separated from you.
If you’d like to teach your child other life skills, you might enjoy these resources: