Just In Case: 6 Important Things To Teach Your Child About If They’re Lost

Let’s face it, the idea of your child getting lost is enough to make any parent’s heart skip a beat. But giving them a few clear safety steps can be surprisingly empowering—not only for them but for mom and dad, too! Here are some simple things I’ve shared with my kiddo, so they know what to do if they ever get separated from me.

1. Teach Them Their Full Name (and Yours!)

Kids are quick to learn their own names, but having them remember our full names (not just “Mom” or “Dad”) is incredibly useful. If your child knows both, they can tell someone who to look for, which can make a big difference in a busy place. For younger ones, keep this simple: practice your names together, maybe while you're brushing teeth or on the drive to school, so they can rattle them off on the fly if they ever need to.

2. Memorize Your Phone Number (Or Wear It!)

Knowing your phone number is like a lifeline for kids. You can make a game out of it—turning it into a rhyme or tune can make it easier to remember. If your child is too young to memorize it, you could write it on a bracelet or even use a temporary tattoo if you’re headed somewhere busy. This way, even if they can’t remember the digits, they’ve got it on hand!

3. Pick a Meeting Spot

Whenever you’re somewhere busy, make a habit of picking a meeting spot at the start. It might be by a big fountain or a statue—somewhere obvious that they can get to without much trouble. The idea is simple: if we’re split up, they go straight there, and I’ll do the same. It’s easy for them to remember, and it also gives them a sense of control, knowing there’s a “just in case” plan in place.

4. Stay Put

One of the biggest things to teach your kids is don’t wander. The best way for you to find them is if they stay right where they are. This can be hard for kids who feel nervous or want to look around, but if they know staying put helps us find them faster, it’s a little easier to understand. A fun way to practice is while you’re at the park or in the yard—try playing a game where they stay in one place and you “find” them.

5. It’s Okay to Get Loud and Yell for Help

A lot of kids, especially quieter ones, might feel uncomfortable drawing attention to themselves, even when they really need it. Teach them that it’s okay (and even a good idea) to yell if they’re lost. Calling out, “I need help finding my mom/dad!” or even just my name can get the attention of other adults nearby. It’s not always easy for them, but knowing it’s “okay to yell for mom” gives them that little bit of confidence.

6. Look for Another Mom or a Uniformed Worker

If they don’t see me, I tell my kiddo to look for another mom with kids or someone in a uniform. Other moms usually understand right away when a child is lost, and a worker with a name tag can be a safe choice too. It’s good to remind kids how to ask for help, too—something like, “I’m lost; can you help me find my mom?” That way, they’re prepared even if they feel nervous.

Pro-tip: Practice goes a long way. Play pretend in your yard or at the park, and walk them through these steps. It’s amazing how much it helps them remember when you turn it into a fun game instead of something scary.

Hopefully, these steps will just stay in the “just-in-case” category, but knowing your kids are prepared can make you feel a lot better. And honestly, they feel better too, knowing exactly what to do if you ever get separated.

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