As crowds of shoppers begin to fill the malls and shopping centers this holiday season, remember to put safety first with your family. Setting some simple ground rules for your shopping trips will keep the holiday shopping experience less stressful.

As parents, we can easily get distracted during the season. We're constantly rushing around trying to complete all the items on our "To Do" list. We often become so focused on the outcome we may forget to be extra cautious while running all those errands. This time of year is a great opportunity to sit down with your family and go over some basic rules with your kids. These rules should be practiced the entire year, but especially during this hectic time of year. It so important for us as parents to set the ground rules about safety before heading out on those holiday shopping trips. Simple rules such as requiring your children to stay with you at all times while shopping, accompanying and supervising them in public facilities and developing a plan in case you would become separated.

It's also good to go over some "what-if" scenarios with your children, reviewing with them a proper plan of action if they should happen to look up and find that you aren't there. You should instruct your children to stay put, close to where they became separated from you so that they will not venture out to the parking lot looking for you or your car.

Reassure children that there are other grown ups who can help hem if they become lost. Security guards and store clerks are just a few examples of people children can learn to recognize as those who can be asked for help. Let your children know that they are not alone and that they shouldn't panic. You and your lost child need to remain calm. Panic only makes the situation worst.

If you expect to be especially distracted or busy while shopping, you should plan ahead. It's probably a great idea to get a babysitter if you think you'll be distracted while shopping. Your children will probably thank you for letting them have time with their favorite babysitter and not having to be lugged along through the crowded stores. It would probably benefit you as well so that you could get your shopping done a little quicker and with a little less stress!

Following is a list of some safety tips you should follow this holiday shopping season:

Always require your children to stay with you at all times while shopping.

Always accompany and supervise your children in public facilities, including restrooms.

Always have a plan in place in case you become separated, including a pre-designated spot to meet.

Always teach your children to look for people who can help, such as a uniformed security officer, salesperson or a mother with children.

Always remind your children to remain in the area where they became separated.

Always turn shopping trips into opportunities to practice safe shopping.

Never dress your children in clothing displaying their names, prompting unwelcome attention from people looking for an opportunity to start a conversation.

Never leave your children in toy stores or public facilities expecting supervision from store personnel.

Never go shopping or attend a public event with a child if you feel you're going to be distracted. Make other arrangements for child care ahead of time.

Never Allow younger children to shop on their own to purchase surprise gifts for friends or family members.

Never drop off your older children at a mall or public place without agreeing on a clear plan for pick up; including where, when and what to do in case of a change in plans.

By following these simple holiday safety tips, you should be able to eliminate some of the stress that comes along with this busy holiday shopping season.



Yvette Mason, is a wife to a supportive husband, a stay at home mom to 2 terrific kids and an entrepreneur! She has a beautiful daughter who is 10 years old and a spirited little boy who is 5 years old. Like many other mothers, her family is her focus in life. She has a successful home based business in a network marketing company. Her mission is to encourage and assist other mothers in creating a successful WAHM lifestyle. You can learn more about Yvette and sign up for her E-series at http://www.BeyondTheCandle.com.