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.
7 Ways to Inspire Your Children to Do Chores
These tips will help you encourage your children to help out around the house and teach them the importance of teamwork.
How Should Your Child Act With Strangers? Read This!
Take steps to ensure your child's safety with this guide.
Traveling with Kids? Keep These Essential Tips in Mind
Traveling with kids? Keep these essential tips in mind.
Shocking! You Must Watch This Video About Child Safety
This social experiment reveals a shocking fact about child safety in parks. You definitely need to watch this!
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...
10 Life Lessons My Father Taught Me
Mark decided it would be valuable to share advice that originated from conversations with his own father decades ago.
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.
A Few Things About Child Obesity We All Need to Know
What causes childhood obesity, why is it getting more common, and what can be done about it?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Guide: What to Feed a Baby at Every Age
Not all solid foods are suitable for every stage, which is why we have created a guide to help you feed your baby according to their age.
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.
Did You Know Grandkids Are Good for Your Health?
In this article, we will introduce the many good ways grandkids influence your life, mind, and body.
These "Harmless" Remarks Can Negatively Impact Children
Avoid saying these seemingly innocent phrases around kids; they confuse them.
This Letter Expresses a Parent's Love For Their Child...
This heartwarming letter is definitely one to share with our children and let them know just how much they mean to us.
Children are Capable of So Much More than We Realize...
After seeing this video, you'll never dismiss kids just because of their age.
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.
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.
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.
7 Daily Habits that Cause Couples to Fights
If you've gotten into the habit of doing the following 7 things, know that they are responsible for 90% of your biggest fights, and you should learn how to curb those reactions.
They Taught Us Our Multiplication Tables All Wrong!
Most multiplication tables are designed really badly, so hardly anyone can learn from them. Read on to see what a real times table looks like.
Celebrating a Bond Between Grandmother and Grandson...
This short video is a gentle and beautiful example of loving your family.
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.
You'll Appreciate Mothers a Lot More After Reading This
This wonderful little tale will remind you of how tough the occupation of motherhood can really be.
8 Things You’re Doing That Are Spoiling Your Child
The desire to help our children and keep them happy all the time may make them spoiled, so avoid it by following these 8 tips!
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 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.
Should Children Have Caffeine? Here's Our Complete Answer
This article asks: should kids have caffeine, and how much is too much?
How to Get Your Child to be Serious When Appropriate
How do you establish boundaries and make sure your child is behaving seriously at solemn occasions.
Beautiful: What Kids Should REALLY Be Taught at School!
Children and young teens need to be taught life lessons, that will enable them to be independent and certain, yet respectful.
40 Sentences Every Child Needs to Hear to Succeed in Life
Help your child succeed in life with these 40 sentences.
16 Lovely Quotes That Celebrate the Brotherly Bond
Having a brother is truly a blessing. These quotes will help you celebrate and appreciate them.
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.
Are These Schools the Most Unusual In the Entire World?
Many of us were educated in traditional classrooms, but the same cannot be said for the students at these 14 highly-unusual schools. Learn about them today.
How to Raise Happy Children: 10 Scientific Steps!
The most important thing for kids' success is their happiness, and these 10 top tips for getting your kids and grandkids happy are backed by science!
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.
8 Outdated Life Lessons We Teach Our Children
we'll explore eight ideas that you might have come to believe are correct and effective for raising children.
For a Divorce-Proof Marriage These Tips Are All You Need
Read these words of advice carefully, and write them on your heart!
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...
These 40 Compliments Will Have a Lasting Effect on a Child
Every child should hear these words every once in a while.
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.
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.
Hilarious! Kids Aren't as Polite as They Used to Be
20 hilarious instances that show that politeness really isn't something kids are good at.
Hilarious: Before Being a Parent, and AFTER Being One...
Check out this hilarious photo-compilation of parents before and after children.
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?