Risk of Abduction - Traveling Safely with Children

There is very little point in expounding the statistics on the risks of child abduction.

The recent distressing case of little Madelaine McCann is enough of a worrying statistic in itself to send any self respecting, loving parent into a tailspin.
There are some simple yet golden rules to follow to ensure your child will never be featured in one of those terrible headlines.

The first rule is to never let your child wander away from you.

Not even for a second.

It is so tempting while struggling with suitcases, hand luggage and travel documents, to let go of the little hand in yours.

Do not risk it.

If possible, find a seat, sit your child on a suitcase in front of you while you juggle with papers and money.
Under pressure, it is so easy to relinquish your control on your child but you must never give in to the temptation.
If you are being hurried along by airport officials to produce documents or anything else for that matter, try to ignore their priorities; think of your own and that of your child. If necessary, remind people you have to consider your child first.
I saw an interesting technique put into practice by a vigilant mother recently.

She was carrying at least four shopping bags plus her handbag and was pushing a buggy, holding a toddler by the hand.

When she had to let go of the toddler's hand to pay the cashier, she gently applied pressed down upon the protruding toe piece of the child's sandal with her foot.
The toddler could not move without the mother feeling the toe being withdrawn from beneath her foot, she had her hand free to accept her change and everyone was safe.
I thought it an ingenious albeit simple control.

Take the time to talk to your child seriously about the risks of trusting strangers.
Small children have a vivid imagination so try not to frighten them with tales of abduction, just explain carefully and gently that they must not go anywhere with a stranger, no matter how helpful and convincing that stranger might sound.
Do not allow your child to investigate public conveniences in restaurants and shops alone.

Never leave your child unattended, even if they are asleep and unlikely to wake. Remember, the one time they will wake up and find themselves alone might be the last time you see them. Waking, the first instinct is to find Mummy.

If Mummy is not there, then the second instinct is to find her.
Consider the tragic possibilities before you leave a child sleeping somewhere.
Never leave your child alone in the car while you pay for petrol unless there is an adult in the car with them.

Small kiddies can be a nightmare when you have to wake them up from a deep sleep, unbuckle them, remove them from car seats, go to the petrol cashier across a cold garage forecourt, and then put them back in the car again, but you will have to put up with it for peace of mind.

The more you do it, the sooner the child will get used to it until it becomes a tedious routine.
Your child might be playing on the beach, building sandcastles and having a wonderful time.

Just because the child is having a good time it does not mean they are safe.
Remember that someone else other than yourself might be watching your child play with prurient interest. Watch them constantly, and never think you can go to the shop for ten minutes or spare twenty minutes to have lunch.

It takes seconds to abduct a child and a lifetime of grief and horror is the result.
Carry plenty of things for your child to do.
Children are happier if they are occupied and less likely to wander off to seek diversion.

Any reasonably sized handbag will accommodate a small coloring book and pencils, an electronic game, a snack and a story book.
I carried such collections for years and now the habit is so ingrained, I carry a crossword book and a novel for my own entertainment! I recently read an article written by a lady who expressed every sympathy for Madelaine's parents.
'After all,' she said, 'we have all done it; we have all left our children unattended at some time.
' Well actually, I have not. Although my heart goes out to the parents of Madelaine, I cannot agree with the statement that we have all left our children sleeping in a strange apartment unattended.

My daughter is nineteen years old and thankfully has reached adulthood without any dreadful experiences of being abducted or abused.

I consider myself as a mother to be fortunate but I do not consider my child's safety had much to do with luck. Vigilance over her safety was a constant priority in my life until she was old enough to attend to her own security. Do not rely too heavily on an older child to supervise a younger one.

Again, it is tempting to share responsibility, but while traveling there is so much to see that is different and unfamiliar, any child, no matter what age or how sensible, might be excused a lapse in concentration.

Travel safely, and although you will not have unlimited freedom, you will enjoy the peace of mind which comes in the knowledge your children are safe and secure.

Information courtesy of www.selectholidayvillas.

com