It’s a parent’s worst nightmare: your child is lost. Whether it’s a crowded park, a bustling market, or even their own neighborhood, the fear of the unknown is terrifying. While we can’t prevent every situation, we can equip our children with the knowledge and skills to stay safe if they ever find themselves lost.

Here are some smart tips, straight from a mom’s playbook, to share with your kids:

1. “Stay Put” is Key: Teach your kids to stay where they are if they realize they’re lost. Encourage them to find a safe spot, like near a store employee or a visible landmark, and avoid wandering further.

2. The Power of “Help”: Emphasize the importance of seeking help from trusted adults. Teach them to look for uniformed personnel like security guards, police officers, or store staff. If they can’t find anyone in uniform, they can approach a mom with children or another adult who looks friendly and approachable.

3. “My Name is…” and the Magic Number: Help your kids memorize their full name, address, and phone number. Make it a fun game to practice reciting this information. You can also consider creating a small card with this information to carry in their pocket.

4. “Don’t Talk to Strangers” (But Sometimes You Need To): While it’s important to teach children about stranger danger, make sure they understand that sometimes, they need to talk to a stranger to get help. Explain that a trusted adult will never ask a child for personal information like their address or phone number.

5. Practice Makes Perfect: Run practice drills with your kids! Pretend they’re lost in a familiar place like your home or a nearby park. This will help them feel prepared and confident if they ever find themselves in a real situation.

6. Keep It Positive & Reassuring: When discussing this topic, be calm and reassuring. Let your child know that getting lost happens, but that you’ll be there to help them. Avoid making them feel scared or anxious.

7. Stay Connected: If your child is old enough, consider getting them a kid-friendly mobile phone with your contact information programmed. You can also teach them to use a “check-in” system, like texting you when they arrive at a destination.

Remember: By preparing your children with these tips and practicing safe habits, you can empower them to stay safe and confident, even in challenging situations. And, most importantly, remember that staying calm and talking to your children about their fears can make all the difference in keeping them safe.