What to Do If Your Child Gets Lost: What to Teach Kids

Picture this: You are in a busy store, juggling a to-do list, when you suddenly realize your child is no longer by your side.

It is every parent’s worst fear. While most children are found quickly and safely, even a brief separation can be overwhelming. Teaching your child what to do if they get lost can help you reunite faster and reduce panic in the moment.

What to Teach Kids to Do If They Get Lost

Preparing your child ahead of time can make a big difference in how they respond if you become separated. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), young children, especially those with autism, typically wander away after being drawn by something of interest.¹ They might follow a pet, another animal, or another child, or run to something they like, such as water or trains.

Young children can be unaware they’re lost and may not be worried or lonely for a while.¹ If your child goes missing or gets lost in a public place, there are things you can teach them so you’re reunited quickly and before panic sets in. Practicing these safety steps together as a family can make them easier to remember. This can help reduce fear and uncertainty in the event they get lost:²

• Teach your child to freeze and stay where they are
• Encourage them to shout your name or call out “Mom” or “Dad” loudly
• Help them identify safe people, such as police officers, cashiers, or security guards
• Teach them to look for another parent with children if they need help
• Consider using a whistle necklace in crowded places

Related: 12 Safety Rules Every Child Should Know

What You Should Do If Your Child Is Lost

Knowing how to respond quickly and calmly can help you reunite with your child as fast as possible. Remaining calm might sound obvious—and impossible—but once your adrenaline is pumping, it can be challenging to focus and regain your composure. Once you’ve taken a deep breath, do not worry about drawing attention; call your child’s name immediately. Others nearby will likely help, and you may be reunited quickly.

If you’re in a location with management staff or security, have another trusted adult contact the staff or the nearest security guard while you continue shouting your child’s name. Try to describe what your child is wearing that day.

Make a habit of taking a quick photo of your child whenever you know you’ll be in a large or crowded space, like an amusement park, shopping complex, or the beach. Stay close to where you last saw your child; often, they are still nearby.

Related: A Better Way To Teach Your Child About Stranger Danger

Important Information Your Child Should Know If They Get Lost

Teaching your child key information about your family can help others assist them if they need help. While it’s sometimes difficult to prevent an accident like your child going missing, you can give them the knowledge that will help you reunite quickly.

Most of us go by “mom” or “dad” exclusively. Take the time to teach your kids your and your spouse’s names. This is helpful because they can then pass this information to an adult if they’re lost. Also, teach your kids to memorize their phone number and address as they get older. One great memorization technique is to turn your number into a fun song or dance.²

Be Positive

Approaching safety information with positivity instead of scare tactics is essential. Your child will likely need to rely on a stranger to help locate you. For nonverbal or younger kids, get into the habit of writing your name, your child’s name, and a contact number on a piece of duct tape inside your child’s jacket. Be sure to show your child where this tape is so they can show someone who can help them if they get lost.²

Related: Anxiety in Children: What You Can Do and What You Should Know

Discuss Safety Plan

Whenever you go out, take a minute together as a family to discuss the safety plan. This way, your child will know what to do if lost. You can even practice role-playing a scenario with your kids, having them pretend they are lost. Ask them to go through your safety steps and map out different scenarios.³

Reassure Them

Once reunited with your child, congratulate and reassure them rather than scold them. While you may feel frustrated, flustered, or angry (or all the above), try your best to remain upbeat. Once you’re safely back in a quiet place together, it’s essential to take time to calmly review what happened. Discuss what they did once they realized you weren’t by their side and make a pact to practice a safety plan regularly.

No parent wants to think about their child going missing. However, you and your family must prepare and know what to teach your kids to do when they are lost. Being proactive and taking steps beforehand can make the difference in how quickly you reunite if something does happen.

Tools That Can Help Keep Your Child Safe

If you want extra peace of mind in crowded places, there are a few simple tools that can help you stay connected and prepared when you’re out with your child.