The Valley Catholic
YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
August 27, 2013
15
School shopping safety
By Katy Meister This “back to school” time may be • When checking out, keep an eye the busiest and most stressful time out for people who may be lounging of the year. Stores are packed with around registers. You may be the next parents budgeting to afford their victim of a wallet lift while gathering children’s needs, kids are distracted your bags and children. with school lists and new outfits, and • Remind your children to keep unsafe people are lurking. the amount you spend on the downKeeping kids safe while shopping low. Announcing that you just spent can be one of the most challenging hundreds of dollars only opens you aspects of parenting. As much as we up to prospective criminals. would love to send our • If you find yourself kids to find their items, shopping after dark, get Tell your parents need to be aware your keys ready BEFORE of the real danger in the you leave the well-lit store. children to isles and dressing rooms. Fumbling around for keys NEVER let Predators are banking on in the dark makes you distracted parents and vulnerable to unsavory anyone into a trusting children. So, here individuals who may be dressing room are some safety tips: stalking the parking lot. • Before leaving home, • Finally, kiss your with them — remind children to stay kids and hug them tight. only YOU. by your side in the store. They grow up so fast and For pre-teens and teens, someday you will miss make sure they have a cell phone that those stressful school shopping trips. is turned ON and with them while in • Katy Meister, www.katythesafetylady. the mall or store. com, works with the diocesan Office for • Tell your children to NEVER go the Protection of Children and Vulnerable anywhere with anyone in the store, Adults (OPCVA) in providing Safe even if the person is familiar or Environment workshops. For more safety wearing a uniform. Most predators related tips and books see Katy on Twitter, seem nice and helpful. Tell your kids FaceBook, and amazon.com. to yell NO or STOP and say something like, “You are not my parent!” • Talk about what to do if you get separated. Tell your children to stay put, stay out of th