Each year, the same anxiety reappears. And if you lose one of your cherubs at the airport or at the beach? If it is a very legitimate fear – shared by many parents – it is possible to attenuate it by following these few practical advice.
Dress it with showy clothes
“On a daily basis, prefer bright colors (red, yellow, fluorescent) to easily locate your child in the crowd. Also avoid too common outfits (navy blue, black)”, advises Dr Gérald Kierzek.
Equip it with an identification bracelet
At the shopping center or in an amusement park, always equip your children with an identification bracelet. “This must include your phone number, without mentioning the name of the child in order to limit the risks. For the youngest, discreet labels can also be sewn inside the clothes”, specifies the medical director of True Medical.
Attach an appointment point in the event of separation
In the event of a crowd bath or in a place that the child does not know, remember to define an appointment point in advance. Tell him for example: “If you don’t see me anymore, stay here and wait for me.” And if it is a store, add: “If you are lost, go see an employee in uniform”, COnseilles the medical expert.
Learn the essential information
“Teach him the essential information: his first name, his last name, as well as your phone number. To facilitate memorization, transform it into song or play”, advocates the doctor.
Use a geolocation application (for older children)
“A geolocation solution, such as a connected GPS watch or an AirTag, can be very practical to locate your child quickly”, says Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
Monitor it carefully in places at risk
“On the beaches, near swimming pools or in shopping centers: designate an adult responsible for surveillance. Do not count only on other parents”, Recalls the medical director of True Medical.
Take a photograph of your child before going out
“This photograph will always be useful in case of disappearance to describe his clothes”, reports the expert.
What if he’s lost?
Stay calm and act quickly
“Shout his first name and describe his clothes to people around”, underlines the doctor.
Alert the authorities immediately
“In a store, immediately report his disappearance to security. In a public place, contact the police by composing 17 (in France) or 112 (in the rest of Europe). On the beach, contact CRS or lifeguards”, advises Dr Gérald Kierzek.
Do not leave where you lost it
“The child can come back to the last point he saw you”, says the practitioner.
Use the sound ads
“In supermarkets, airports or parks, ask that a message be broadcast by loudspeaker”, specifies the medical director.
If the child is found, do not rumble him
“He was certainly very afraid, also reassure him and explain him how to prevent it from happening again”, concludes Dr Gérald Kierzek.