Next time you go out in public with your child or children, you should consider this potentially life-saving trick. Parents have taken to Reddit's Life Hacks forum to share some brilliant advice that could help if your child goes missing in public.
If you've even lost your child in a public place, even for just a second, you know the sheer panic that washes over you. If the worst happens and you aren't able to locate them straight away, you may need to report it to the police – and you will need very specific details which can help with the search.
A person on Reddit has now shared a great hack which can help you in this situation – taking a quick picture before you head out so you know exactly what they are wearing.
The unnamed original poster said: "When you go out with your kids, take a quick picture of what they are wearing. In the immediate panic it is hard to remember simple details, like what your child was wearing. Try to get their shoes in the picture as well."
One commenter praised the tip, saying: "Finally a good one. This one is usually best in places where there will be large crowds like Disney or on a vacation to another city where everyone is a bit more distracted and going oooh-aaah."
Other users pointed out the fact that the shoes are the most important thing to remember, as they are the hardest thing to replace for a potential kidnapper.
One person said: "Yeah shoes are super important, it’s the hardest clothing to replace," and added jokingly: "Thankfully my son is old enough now no one wants to steal him lol, and if they try he knows exactly how to knock some stones around."
Another person recommended other parents put "bright colours" on their children, as these are "easier to scan for".
A third parent shared their own tip, saying they always "told my kid to look at my shoes and memorise them". They added: "In a crowd it’s way easier for a kid to look down than all the way up in the air at everyone’s chin".
They explained: "I always bought unusual shoes to make it easier for him too."
The Children's Society recommends to call the police if your child runs away or goes missing - you don't have to wait 24 hours.
Also, keep a log of the police officer you have spoken to and dial 101 for updates. Visit the Children's Society for more details.
Do you have any tips of your own? Let us know in the comments below.
