Labeling Your Child’s Belongings:
A Dangerous Habit By Samantha Wilson

---

Kids loose things.

Check out the lost and found bin at school, and you will see that your child is not the only offender.

Winter is a huge challenge in our family. Each year, we bet on how many gloves we’ll have to buy to make it
through the season. One year, I got so fed up with my son losing his, that I sewed them to the sleeves of his coat.
When he lost his coat, I was outta’ luck.

Each year I receive a notice from school asking to “clearly label all of my sons belongings with his name.” Although intentions are good, doing this could actually put your child in danger.

A common trick used by predators to gain a child’s trust, is to convince them that they are not strangers. What better way, than to call the child by their name. I would cringe as I picked through the found clothing tagged with big bold letters of children’s names. I have even seen full addresses with postal codes and phone numbers on jackets!

By doing this, you are offering too much information about your child. You are actually assisting the predator.  There is a safer way to identify belongings than using a name or personal information.

Create a design, unique to your child that can easily be transferred onto their belongings. Pick up some colorful fabric paint, and set out to re label everything.

This a great winter craft, that is fun, creative and beneficial Use this time to talk about personal safety and reinforce the rule of never go anywhere with anyone without asking permission first.

I still find old mittens with three moons and a star painted on them. It reminds my son to stay safe. Every time your child looks at their design, they will do the same.

Samantha's expert advice has been highlighted in Parents Magazine!

More on stranger safety.....

Why Predators Abduct

Intuition: Your Child's Best Defense

Date Rape Drugs: Protecting Your Teenage Daughter

No Means No