Teaching about being lost

One second your child is there. The next second they are gone. It takes just a split second.

Being lost is terrifying to a child.

A child may just become separated from you or become lost. When a child becomes separated from you or lost they go into an anxious state. A child may become disorientated. They start to run around looking for you. This makes it even harder to find them.

Educating a child about what to do in the situation if they find themselves in is crucial.

Teaching a child safe methods of dealing with a situation can help ensure a positive and quick resolution.

It will help in the prevention of such incidents occurring as well as help in the safe return. Education about what to do if they are lost arms a child with the information of what to do rather than just to panic.

• Talk to your child/ren about what to do if they become separated.
• Talk to your child about the importance of staying together.
• Teach a child to try not to panic.
• Teach a child their first name. Ensure a child knows your first name. They will need to know both and be able to tell when asked.
• Empower a child to seek out a policeman or shop assistant for help. Ensure the child knows what to say to the adult. A child needs to know and be able to tell the adult information. Information like they are lost, their name, the name of the person they were with and other basic information.
• Reinforce that the child must remain in the same area that they were when they were last with you. Explain it is important to seek help but it is easier to find them is they are not constantly moving. Teach the child to never go looking for you. Reassure the child you will go looking for them. Teach a child to stand still. The is an increased chance of finding a child if they stand still.
• Ensure your child understands the importance of not walking off with strangers.
• Practice the ‘what if’s’. What if you couldn’t see me? Discuss what is a child should do.