There is no greater fear for a parent, grandparent or any person responsible for a beloved child’s welfare, than losing that child in a public place. It’s for this reason most of us still have the words ‘don’t talk to strangers’ still echoing around our memory chambers, so often did our parents remind us not to accept sweets or car rides from people we didn’t recognize.
But there may be two big problems with this kind of advice: first, young kids don’t heed the advice, and second, the advice doesn’t even apply to the vast majority of recorded abductions anyway. The first point has been brilliantly demonstrated in a recent viral video from Joey Saladino. Watch how he proves to shocked mothers that their words of warning have no practical effect on their young darlings.
However, more shocking than this display of delicate innocence is the claim that telling young children to avoid strangers does nothing to address the facts of most child abductions. The Washington Post has estimated that abductions perpetrated by strangers only account for a hundredth of 1% from all the cases of missing children.
So, the good news is that child abductions by wicked strangers are extremely rare. That is partly why we continue to be even more shocked by these kinds of crimes than we are by more common atrocities that we can see on the televised news. In fact, all abductions of children may be much rarer than Saladino states, with perhaps 115 per year occurring in America.
It should be added that the children in Saladino’s experiment were all extremely young and closely watched by their mothers. There is no indication here that older children whom parents don’t spend all their time watching would be as susceptible to the coaxes of a mysteriously nice stranger.
However, even a slight risk is enough to make most of us in permanent or temporary custody of a child want to take the best precautions possible. And here are 6 things you can do to prevent such a calamity.
Some useful habits to adopt to help prevent child abductions
• Write your phone number on the child's wrists and cover up with a liquid band-aid.
• Take a photo of the child on your phone every morning, to show police what they were wearing etc.
• If possible, have the child memorize your number.
• Show your child where any staff are located if you are at an event or a public place.
• Decide what your plan will be if you do get separated.
• Draw a map of your local area with your child. This activity can raise their awareness of what places are safe for them.
The bad news, then, is that most cases of child abductions, like much violent crime, are perpetrated by those who are known to the child. So, just as we try to create the best relationships for ourselves, and thus avoid the kind of violence that unfortunately does exist between people by forging the best family and community bonds, we are able to limit the risk of people within our child’s circle harming them.
This is a reminder that, if you have a good family life in a good community, then you are already doing the best that can be done to prevent your grandchildren or children from suffering.
Parenting Tips: How to Put a 2 Year Old to Bed
This video tutorial offers practical solutions tailored for your 2 year old's bedtime.
WARNING: New Guidelines on When to Expose Kids to Peanuts
Exposing your kids to peanuts should take place earlier than thought.
7 Things Your Kids Will Never Ever Forget About You
The impression you made on your children and grandchildren is something that they will always love you for. They will never let go of those sweet memories.
15 Answers to Questions That Can Save Your Child's Life
Teaching your children the answers to these 15 questions could save their lives one day.
Freeze Your Food Quickly and Efficiently with These Tips
Which foods can you freeze for later use?
Learning to Make Risotto Balls is as Simple As ABC!
In this video, chef Nina Parker will show you how simple, easy and delicious it is to make fennel and Pecorino risotto balls.
As a Baby Grows, THIS is What It Will See...
It's no secret that babies see the world differently than the rest of us do, and this video will show you just what their visual development looks like.
Find a Deep Reflection of the Modern World in These Images
Modern society has plenty of drawbacks. An artist has brilliantly depicted some of the stark realities of the modern world through his work.
How to Tell Your Children You Have Cancer
What's the right way to tell your children you have cancer, and are there situations where you shouldn't?
8 Methods to Help Children or Adults Swallow Their Pills
In this article, you'll learn 8 methods of taking pills that'll make it easier on kids or adults having difficulties.
Children of the Past: Historical Photos of Kids Having Fun
19 Nostalgic photos of children having fun playing outside.
Guide: The 4 Types of Dyslexia in Children
Every parent should get to know this subject beyond the superficial level, and also learn how to identify dyslexia in their children.
7 Things Your Kids Will Never Forget About You...
The impression you made on your children and grandchildren is something that they will always love you for. They will never let go of those sweet memories.
Couples Who Stay Together Forever Have 19 Things In Common
Although it looks like everlasting love is but a mere stroke of luck, there are 19 secrets that are shared by all couples that get to experience it...
How to Deal With Parental "Burnout"
Parental burnout is a problem that can affect anyone, and it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of it.
This Father Has the Cutest Way of Handling His Baby...
This father will do anything to help his baby sleep...
Children are Capable of So Much More than We Realize...
After seeing this video, you'll never dismiss kids just because of their age.
Nine Couples Games that Can Strengthen Relationships
Each game is designed to make you a more loving and understanding couple, whether you are just starting out or have been married for years.
12 Reasons Why Every Kid Should Grow up With a Dog
Dogs are incredibly beneficial to a child's development. Read this list of 12 benefits that children reap when growing up around a dog.
10 Worst Things to Say When Talking to Your Grandchildren
In this article, we will look at some of the things you should never say to your grandchildren.
Another Good Reason to Put the Phone Aside When With Kids
Extensive research on this topic has consistently shown the importance of giving our undivided attention to our children in order for them to learn and grow.
Print at Home: 24 Characters for Coloring with Kids!
For a fun time for kids of all ages, print out any of these popular characters for them to color.
Celebrating a Bond Between Grandmother and Grandson...
This short video is a gentle and beautiful example of loving your family.
Does Your Child or Grandchild Sit in This Dangerous Pose?
There is a worrying argument that one of the most common kneeling poses that children make is damaging their health.
There's a Reason Why Women are Sensitive...
When a woman cries, there's always a deeper reason behind it. Sometimes she just needs to let go what's inside of her. See this beautiful story.
Everyone Deserves Self-Care: 6 Easy Tips for Parents
A reminder for parents to take time for themselves. 6 small ways to practice self-care in a parent's busy everyday life.
The Speech EVERY Generation Should Hear...
Jack Webb Dragnet giving one of his most compelling speeches to youngsters complaining about the state of the country.
These "Harmless" Remarks Can Negatively Impact Children
Avoid saying these seemingly innocent phrases around kids; they confuse them.
40 Sentences Every Child Needs to Hear to Succeed in Life
Help your child succeed in life with these 40 sentences.
11 Marriage Misconceptions We Should Forget About
these 11 myths demonstrate why a perfect marriage is unrealistic.
8 Food Combinations Perfect for a Growing Baby
Not only will these combinations put a smile on your little one's face, but they will also contribute significantly to their overall health.
Never Give a Child Under the Age of 4 These Foods!
These foods pose the biggest choking risk to children under the age of 4.
Roll Down Your Car Window & Enjoy these Scenic U.S Routes
Roll down your car window and feast your eyes on some of the west's most breath-taking landscapes.
How Do We See Our Parents Throughout the Years?
From cradle to middle age, this is how we perceive our parents.
Couples Passionate About Each Other Practice These Rituals
It's amazing to think what miraculous things can happen between a couple when new positive, behavior patterns are developed.
The Good and Bad White Lies in a Relationship
Four scenarios where it is acceptable to tell a white lie and 4 in which it is not permissible under any circumstances.
If a Child Lives with Praise, This Is What He'll Learn...
How should we go about raising our children to be strong, independent and certain of themselves?
Should Children Have Caffeine? Here's Our Complete Answer
This article asks: should kids have caffeine, and how much is too much?
How to Talk to Your Children About War & Conflict
As parents, how should you explain to your children about war? Here’s a guide that draws on expert opinions and research to help.
Which Occupations Cheat the Most? The Answers are In...
Research indicates that certain professions tend to have a higher likelihood of infidelity.
What Happens When Parents Have a Favorite Child?
What Happens When Parents Have a Favorite Child?
7 Ways to Develop a Child's Executive Functions
What are these executive functions and how can you help your child develop them? You will find all of this in the following guide.
How to Stop the Cycle of Guilt Between Generations
Dear Parents, guilt-tripping your kids can seriously harm your relationship.
Lessons I Learned From My Father on How to Be a Parent
Although I've passed on these skills to my own children, my father also imparted 10 additional lessons that we couldn't have learned from anyone else...
A Story of a Little Girl and Her Guardian Angels...
This short story will remind you that there is always someone to watch over you in this life...
10 Timeless Old Family Films You Can Enjoy With Your Kids
These family films may be old, but they can still delight children to this day.
Husband Guide: How to Make Your Wife Fall in Love Again
Guide: how to show love again in simple ways and how to make your wife fall in love with you again.