Getting lost

“My child is lost” is one of those sentences all parents hope they will never have to utter, but unfortunately children do have an inquisitive nature and can wander off from their parents.

Fortunately most children are quickly reunited with their parents and although the parents will be deeply traumatized, the child is normally fine after a cuddle.

It is important to remember that once your toddler can walk and run, he can lose sight of you and become separated. Try to keep your toddler in sight at all times, even in the park when he is dashing about. If there is a group of you, assign one person or do it yourself. The other important thing is to tell your child exactly what to do if he does become separated from you. Here are some simple tips to prevent or help if your child gets lost:

- Teach your toddler to recite his name, phone number and address in case he gets lost.

- Sew or write his name and contact details onto the tag on his clothes or the backpack he is carrying. If you are going on a day trip it may be worth putting his details in a pocket or waterproof plastic badge pinned to him.

- If he does get lost, make sure he knows that he should try to stay in one place rather than run around trying to find you.

- Before you arrive at a public place – the mall, for example – remind your child what to do or where to go if he should get lost.

- Dress your child in bright clothing when on a day trip so he can be easily spotted if he wanders off.

- Tell him to go into the nearest store where there is a cashier or security guard wearing a uniform and tell them he is lost.

- Teach your child to tell another mom with kids if he cannot find a security guard. Although children should be wary of strangers, another mom accompanied by children will generally be able to help your child and even young children intuitively know who a ‘mother’ is.

- If you lose your child in a store or an enclosed place like an airport, alert the staff and ask them to block off the entrances or exits or to have someone stand there looking out for your child. Also get somebody to check the toilets.

Try not to panic if you do become separated from your child. As worrying as it is, the general public will often pick up on a child on his own, especially other moms. If you are with a group of people let them look for your child while you stay in the place you last saw him in case he finds his way back to you. Alert park rangers, mall and store security etc as soon as you lose your child so that they are on the lookout for you.

Why not chat to other parents about this, or other topics, by leaving a message on our chat forum.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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Last Modified: 11/07/2007

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