Mall Safety

Before you and your child brave the shopping crowds this holiday season, consider these safety tips from Nancy A. McBride, executive director of the Florida branch of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in Lake Park.

Practice safety measures at home. Role-play different scenarios, from getting lost to being approached by a stranger. Let your child know that she doesn't need to be polite to a grown-up who makes her feel funny or scared and that she should yell out, "You're not my daddy (mommy)!" if an adult tries to lure her away.

Take a practice run. Go to the mall with no other aim than to teach your child mall safety. Point out helpful adults at the information booth and cash registers. Let her know that these are the people to turn to if she gets lost. Point out phone booths and show her how to dial 911 in case of an abduction attempt or other emergency. Then go out for pizza. "Kids can't take in too much information at once," McBride explains.

Supply ID. Before you head off to the mall, tuck your address and phone number into your child's shoe or pocket. The note could come in handy if she gets lost and becomes flustered.

Dress your child appropriately. Avoid putting her in clothes and jewelry with her name on them. Predators have been known to call out to children by name, causing them to become confused and wander away.

Get an early start. Hurried parents tend to be more distracted and at greater risk of losing track of a child. By hitting the mall early, you will feel more relaxed about completing your errands and have time left to treat your child to some fun.

Stay close. Forget about using the toy department to entertain your child as you shop. Predators go where the kids are: toy departments, video arcades, and food courts. It's also wise to accompany your child to the rest room. If you have an older son who no longer feels comfortable using the women's room, put a time limit on how long he can be in the men's room and station yourself at the door until he comes out.