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.
Here's How to Make Pretty Opaque Window Frosting!
If curtains aren't really your thing, then why not give opaque window frosting a chance? Here's how to make your own at home.
When Daddy and Baby Get Together, Hilarity Ensues!
rom high-flying tosses to goofy dances, witness the unfiltered joy and adventurous spirit of fatherhood that brings a new dimension to family fun.
How Parents Around the World Raise Their Kids
Some learn from books, while others prefer to learn from other parents, but all will be happy to learn these useful tips for raising children.
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.
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?
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.
9 Ways to Help Out Children With Anxiety
These nine strategies will enable you to support your children effectively, strengthening their mental well-being while helping them navigate their anxiety.
8 Signs It's Time to Sever Ties From a Family Member
Sometimes, it’s important to sever ties with a family member who has been nothing but toxic to you.
These "Harmless" Remarks Can Negatively Impact Children
Avoid saying these seemingly innocent phrases around kids; they confuse them.
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.
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.
This Mother's Letter to Her Daughter Touched Me Deeply
There is nothing quite like a mother's love for her daughter, as this heartbreaking letter reveals. Prepare to be moved.
7 Ways to Combat Passive Aggressive Behavior
Common passive-aggressive behaviors and the recommended responses to situations you may encounter.
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...
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.
Why Children Suck Their Fingers and How to Make It Stop
To aid in understanding and addressing finger sucking, this article discusses why it may happen and how to stop the behavior.
This Father Has the Cutest Way of Handling His Baby...
This father will do anything to help his baby sleep...
6 Embarrassing Parental Moments and How to Deal with Them
Here are 6 embarrassing situations you may encounter. Don't worry - there are ways to tackle them!
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.
7 Ways to Encourage Executive Development in Children
This guide will provide you with the information you need to help your child develop these essential functions.
How Do We See Our Parents Throughout the Years?
From cradle to middle age, this is how we perceive our parents.
Celebrating a Bond Between Grandmother and Grandson...
This short video is a gentle and beautiful example of loving your family.
For a Divorce-Proof Marriage These Tips Are All You Need
Read these words of advice carefully, and write them on your heart!
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.
These Funny Photos Have a Lot to Say About Being a Parent
The 17 parents in the following pictures should be awarded the best parent award, if only for the way they deal with their silly kids!
5 Tools to Help You Make a Strong, Stable Family
What tools can we use to make our family stronger and less dysfunctional? This article will help you by giving 5 tools to do just that.
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.
This Short Tale Reminds Us of a Person’s True Worth...
A short story that will remind you what a person's true worth is...
Should Children Have Caffeine? Here's Our Complete Answer
This article asks: should kids have caffeine, and how much is too much?
Children are Capable of So Much More than We Realize...
After seeing this video, you'll never dismiss kids just because of their age.
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.
A Beautiful Old Tale: The Lion and the Mouse.
Share a lovely tale with anyone who loves bedtime stories in classic style!
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.
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.
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?
What Life Looks Like for British Royal Babies
Discover the cool and surprising facts about the Royal family's babies, the only babies in the world who are given passports at birth.
This Devoted Dad Has Some Words to Share....
Michael Mitchell is a devoted American father who collects tips from various fathers about raising kids, and these are some of his most interesting!
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.
WARNING: Before You Buy a Rotisserie Chicken, Read This
Are rotisserie chickens bad for our health or are they just as healthy as regular chicken?
Solving 10 Food-Related Problems Some Parents Face
we have gathered 10 common problems and the best solutions to address them, assisting you to get through each family dinner or feeding the baby with ease.
They May Drive You Crazy, But Family is Family!
Family can drive you crazy but at the end of the day you can't help but love them. Here are some beautiful and funny quotes and pictures to make your day.
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!
What Happens When Parents Have a Favorite Child?
What Happens When Parents Have a Favorite Child?
Which Occupations Cheat the Most? The Answers are In...
Research indicates that certain professions tend to have a higher likelihood of infidelity.
How to Stop the Cycle of Guilt Between Generations
Dear Parents, guilt-tripping your kids can seriously harm your relationship.
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.
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.