*Let's get the affiliate mumble jumble out of the way- If you click on any of the lil' ole' links contained in this post and end up signing up, I end up making some coffee money (hey, what can I say? I'm The Walking Mombie, I survive off caffeine!).
If your child were to go missing all of a sudden while at the park, shopping mall, or even outside your home, do you'd be able to act quickly and think clearly? Do you have the proper information documented to provide to the authorities? No parent likes to think of the inevitable, but putting the proper resources in place is crucial during catastrophic times, when every single second counts. As a parents we want resources that will help provide us with valuable information to enable us to respond hastily and effectively in the event of our child going missing. This Information can be immediately forwarded to the police providing comprehensive information that can help the police find your child quicker.
One great free resource is the AIL free child safety kit. These kits contain all your child's important information in the case that your child were to ever go missing. These free child safety kits can also help expedite the release of an amber alert more quickly as well. To receive a free child safety kit, click here.
*If you go to request you Free Child Safety Kit and find that they are not available, make sure that you leave your email. AIL will contact you to let you know when they are available again.
Here's a few quick tips from AIL to get the most out of your Free Child Safety Kit:
It's recommend that you keep the Child Safe Kit in a safe and convenient location that you can access quickly in an emergency.
Record your child’s name, address, birth date, allergies, and any birthmarks or other identifying features that will help authorities identify your child.
It is important to know exactly where any of your child's birthmarks, scars, or other identifying marks are on their person.
With easy to follow instructions, the Child Safe Kit also comes with an inking strip to fingerprint your child, which will help officials identify them more quickly.
Keep an up-to-date photo of your child to help officials accurately identify them. Remember to update your child's photo every 6-12 months.
In addition to AIL's tips, here's another great tip to follow:
If you are going to a large event with your child (and this can of course be used for any kind of situation), take a photo of your child before you leave the house. This way you have the most current photo of your child as well as exactly what they were wearing when they went missing. It's common and very easy for parents to remember what their child was wearing when they are in a panic.
Teaching our children about safety is just as important as teaching them how to read and write. It's important to take the correct approach while teaching your child about safety and danger. Here's a few tips to help with talking to your child about safety:
When talking to your child about safety and danger, you want to make sure that you do it in a way that makes them understand and aware, but does not frighten them. Sometimes parents need a little guidance to help jump start teaching their young children about safety. I've gathered some helpful books that will help break the ice.
Always make sure that you maintain open communication with your child, so they are comfortable coming to you when they feel something isn't right.
If your child is old enough, make sure that they know their full name, address, and phone number, and how you can be contacted. Work with your child to teach them how to dial 911 and use a cell phone in of an emergency.
Let your child know that adults should not ask children for help nor should adults threaten children. They should never approach an unknown car or go anywhere with an adult they do not know.
Now I know that most daycare's and some schools require parents to label their children's belongings, but label clothing, backpacks, or personal items with your child's name can also put your child in danger. Stranger's can easily obtain this information and use it to gain your child's trust.
Create a plan with your child and what they need to do if they are ever separated in a public place.
Know where your child is at all times and remember to update your child's records every 6-12 months.
Our main goal as parents when it comes to our children's safety, is giving our children the knowledge and confidence needed to make smart choices about their own personal safety. Eventually, staying safe should become second nature to your child.
Have you talked to your child about their own personal safety?